Industry News

Offering Unfettered Access to Hillsboro’s Stunning Seashore and Waterways, The Intimate Residential Development Extends an Elevated Approach to Resort-Style Living.

The new resort is jointly developed with Eidos Hotel Capital Partners acting as an operating partner and asset manager for Sixth Street.

Placemakr, a tech-enabled flex-use hospitality and multifamily operator today announced the launch of its third location in Nashville, TN, Placemakr Wedgewood-Houston. This latest property is located in the vibrant and rapidly expanding Wedgewood-Houston area. Placemakr will bring its signature blend of apartment living and hospitality services, like housekeeping and a 24/7 onsite customer support team, to guests and residents at the property. The property will open for booking on March 14th. The newest property to join the Placemakr portfolio, formerly a Bento Living building, is located at 321 Hart Street in Nashville. It offers 89 furnished apartment-style units for nightly hotel, short-term rental, and long-term furnished housing stays. Guests of this property will have access to an outdoor rooftop terrace with views of Downtown Nashville, a fitness center, meeting spaces, an onsite bodega, a coffee bar, an on-site Pacific-Rim-inspired restaurant, and walkability to Wedgewood-Houston's top attractions. Known for its lively art scene and monthly "art crawls," Wedgewood-Houston, or WeHo, is a buzzing sector of Nashville just blocks from Downtown. Guests of the new Placemakr property can enjoy many restaurants and bars within walking distance including: E+ROSE Wellness Cafe, Crest Coffee House, Jackalope Brewing Company, The Ranch, Diskin Cider Bar, Earnest Bar & Hideaway, Dozen Bakery and IL Forno. The area also includes Nashville SC's GEODIS Park and flea markets, ensuring that there is convenience and entertainment for every type of guest. This announcement comes on the heels of another Placemakr property launch in Downtown Columbia Maryland. The company looks forward to continuing to expand its partnerships and footprint this year.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the opening of Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosí, marking the first Hyatt property in the central state of Mexico. The 134-room hotel is a timeless addition to San Luis Potosí, offering seamless and stress-free experiences to business and leisure travelers in the most exclusive area of the city. Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosí is in the Las Lomas neighborhood, which offers a vast array of fine dining and shopping experiences. The hotel neighbors the city's historic downtown neighborhood, filled with historical sites such as the city's cathedral, which displays the baroque style that San Luis Potosí's capital is known for, dating back to the 1600s. Accommodations Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosí features 134 guestrooms, with select suites featuring spacious outdoor terraces that overlook the Las Lomas neighborhood. Regency Club suites provide exclusive access to the Regency Club Lounge on the 9th floor along with complimentary food, beverages and a private lounge area. Guestrooms and suites offer ample spaces with beautiful natural light, modern furnishings, multi-functional seating or work desk areas, complimentary Wi-Fi and digital room key entry via the World of Hyatt app. Additionally, the hotel features a stunning outdoor pool and gathering space as well as a 24-hour fitness center available for guests. Meetings & Events Inspired by vanguardist décor, Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosí boasts contemporary style in a sought-after destination. Catering to business travelers with more than 10,000 square feet of technology-enabled meeting and event space and a 400-person theater space, the property creates inspiring and memorable events of any kind. The hotel is conveniently located five minutes from Plaza San Luis Luxury Fashion Mall, the San Luis Potosí Convention Center and many of the city's most recognized restaurants. Dining Experiences Guests and locals can enjoy a trip down the Californian coast - all the way to Baja California Sur with Chef Allan Gutierrez's fusion of California and Mexican cuisines at Sonoma, the property's vibrant full-service restaurant. For those looking to experience authentic flavors of the city, Hyatt Regency San Luis Potosí is home to Dry Martini, the award-winning and world-renowned cocktail bar by trendsetting entrepreneur, Javier de las Muelas, and is the only Dry Martini location in Latin America. Dry Martini offers unique, handcrafted beverages with a large selection of agave spirits, rums, wine, mocktails and more for everyone to enjoy. Opt for savory barbecue at Gaucho Prime or a light lunch of Mediterranean favorites at La Gran Vía Cava Baja San Luis Potosí. Local Attractions Besides its beautiful and historic capital, San Luis Potosí offers various points of interest within three areas: Altiplano, Media and the Huasteca Potosina for locals and tourists alike. Within the state of San Luis Potosí travelers will find many Pueblos Mágicos ("Magic Towns") such as Real de Catorce which is ideal for those who enjoy visiting the desert and mysterious ghost towns. For fans of green spaces, the Pueblo Mágico of Xilitla encompasses lush gardens, such as the famous Edward James' Surrealist Garden, which was built as a tribute to the town's intricate orography. San Luis Potosi is a key business hub with a world class convention center minutes from the hotel. The state's geography places the city in a convenient location in the center of Mexico, allowing for easy access to Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Tribute Portfolio - part of Marriott Bonvoy's growing collection of characterful, independent hotels, welcomes its latest addition with the opening of laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort. Marking the brand's debut in the Seychelles, the resort offers an oasis perfect for island exploration and revitalization set in the serenity of a natural botanical paradise. Located close to Anse Royal, the photo-ready white sandy beach on the Southeastern coast of Mahé, the Seychelles' largest island the resort set to showcase the hidden gems of the island for travelers and locals who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling. Designed by MMAC Design, the resort has a harmoniously calming color palette complemented by bold pops of green which pay homage to the beautiful tropical surroundings. With carefully curated interiors, guests will appreciate the intricate detailing throughout, including the lobby ceiling which has been carved to reflect the shapes of the many islands in the Seychelles. Each of the resort's 76 bespoke guest rooms are decorated with nature-inspired aesthetics, featuring a mural of the Seychelles' plant silhouette, hand woven macramé bed board, and room separator made with wood and rattan, the natural materials often used in the island's traditional architecture. In addition, families or a collective of friends can choose from the resort's eight boutique suites, including the Senior Suite with a private plunge pool and private terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean and surrounding mountains. The resort features no shortage of distinct amenities, including a water sports center, outdoor swimming pool, 24/7 gym, spa, barbershop, and kids' recreation area. Tailor-made for guests who want to be part of something and seek out experiences that draw them into a larger community, the resort's expansive activity offerings draw on the Seychellois spirit to captivate minds. Guests can take part in thoughtfully curated village experiences including Creole cooking classes, traditional weaving demonstrations, and evenings dancing around the bonfire to the traditional and charming sounds of Moutya music. Guests looking to live like a local can join insiders on day trips to explore the village market, embark on a fishing trip, hike through the jungle, or take expeditions to neighboring islands arranged by native experts. Additionally, guests can enjoy sunrise yoga, jogging along the resort's tropical trails, jewelry making using foraged shells, or opt for water sports including paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling at the famous uninhabited 'Ile Souris' coral island, which is frequented by an array of coral fish and sea turtles. After a day of inspiring adventures, guests can relax at the laïla Spa with expert therapists who offer a full range of facial and body treatments, which include healing practices using only organic and handmade products made with local ingredients, such as coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon. A foodies' haven, the resort features five restaurants and bars, designed to capture the spirit of the community and attract guests and locals alike. Laroul offers an international array of cuisines and cultures with a distinctive Seychellois touch throughout the breakfast and dinner services. Signature dishes feature daily catches from the Indian Ocean and seasonal produce, such as Grilled Red Snapper and Flambé with Star Fruit. Kafe Kreol Beachside Bar and Restaurant is designed with a rustic concept and décor, serving up authentic Creole and Italian cuisine paired with both classic and locally inspired cocktails made with Takamaka Bay rum and fresh local produce such as coconuts and tamarind. For guests who gravitate towards a sip and swim session, the poolside Laroul Bar offers expertly prepared drinks and snacks. Tribute Portfolio participates in Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International. Marriott Bonvoy Members will earn points for their stay at the new resort, and at other properties across Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of its eighth hotel in Riyadh, Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center. This new addition forms an integral part of the Riyadh International Conference and Exhibition Center.  Situated in the capital city of Saudi Arabia and within walking distance of the city center and its state-of the art Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center is ideal for business and leisure travelers looking for a sophisticated atmosphere and a base from which to conduct their business and enjoying luxurious relaxation. Additional destination highlights include vast shopping malls, impressive skyscrapers, and cultural offerings, including the King ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Historical Centre, the National Museum, and the National Library. Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center features 223 rooms, all of which have been stylishly designed with spectacular views of Riyadh. The heart of the hotel is the double-volume lobby that welcomes guests as a tranquil oasis from the city’s fast-paced life. The design elements of the hotel, from the breathtaking entrance to the tasteful decor in the guest rooms, deliver a feeling of modern luxury. Guests staying in the Executive Rooms and Suites have complimentary access to the Business Lounge, which offers Tea, Coffee and snacks throughout the day. Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center offers two food and beverage venues. The Al Diriyah Restaurant and Lounge serves an international menu with some local touches and serves a variety of coffees from Camel Step, a local roastery. The Terrace restaurant is located on the second floor and is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a night out with gourmet and BBQ comfort foods in a tapas-style setting while watching big sports games from around the world on big screen.  Tim Cordon, COO, Middle East, and Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, says, “We’re thrilled to cement our presence in the region further with the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center. We believe that business and leisure travelers from around the world will find the offerings of this luxurious and modern hotel perfectly suited to their needs.” Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center offers nine distinctive meeting and events spaces, including the 400m2 Najd Event Hall, which can be divided into three separate sections and six smaller meeting rooms for more intimate gatherings. In addition, The Garden is perfect for social events.  Aldert van Zyl, General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center concludes: “I am delighted to lead the dedicated team of this new hotel. We are proud of our dynamic and multi-cultural team that welcomes all guests with true Saudi Arabian hospitality as we build genuine relationships with our guests and create memorable moments.”

Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has reinforced its expansion plan with the highly-anticipated opening of its second property in Maldives under its luxury Amari brand. The opening of Amari Raaya Maldives is slated for Q1 2023. It will join Amari Havodda Maldives, further boosting the brand’s presence on the islands. NH Collection Dubai The Palm, a new-build 532-key luxury hotel on the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah with spectacular views across the Dubai skyline, has opened its doors and represents the debut of the NH Collection brand in the Middle East. The property with direct access to West Palm Beach features 226 hotel guest rooms and suites in addition to 306 studios and apartments across 11 room categories. The bold, original décor is upbeat and playful, mixing splashes of authentic local character reflecting the vibrancy of the destination. Higher room categories, including the Premium Sea View Room, the One Bedroom Sea View Suite, and Superior One Bedroom Sea View Apartment, offer captivating views of the Dubai Marina skyline and Arabian Gulf and exclusive access to the NH Collection Premium Lounge. NH Collection Dubai The Palm has five distinctive dining venues, set to become favourites with guests, Dubai residents, and visitors alike. Maiora, where an abundance of dishes from around the world are served for all-day dining, including the renowned NH Collection breakfast. Revo Café, a chic urban hangout where chefs craft creative and healthy dishes. Té Lounge is for those needing refreshment after the gym or a light, healthy bite. Seven Sports Bar, where friends can catch up in an informal setting or to watch the big game over classic snacks and drinks. Launching soon will be SEEN Restaurant and Bar, a modern multi-sensory rooftop venue with spectacular sunset views and expertly mixed cocktails. SEEN can be found in multiple locations in Europe, South America and Asia, with further additions to the brand launching soon in Europe. Even the little ones are indulged fully at the NH Kids’ Club which is designed for children between 4 and 12 years, keeping them engrossed in games, arts, crafts and more. The hotel will also soon launch its own beach club adjacent to the hotel on West Palm Beach. The property employs the brand’s ‘Brilliant Basics’ and ensures that guests get the best comforts possible, including exclusive NH Collection Sleep Better mattresses in every room, a selection of pillows, and a range of sustainable amenities. Sustainability is a driving force at NH Collection Dubai The Palm and the property has been designed to minimise environmental impact. The hotel has its own water plant, solar panels are used to generate hot water and condensed water from the air conditioning system is used for irrigation. Room amenities are vegan and sustainable with a diligent effort made to reduce and recycle waste. Initiatives to launch later in the year include an onsite apiary, a hydroponic farm within the hotel and a community market. Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO Minor International and CEO Minor Hotels, parent company of NH Hotel Group, said: “We are thrilled to debut NH Collection in Dubai as the brand’s first property to launch outside of its historical areas of operation in Europe and the Americas. With its premium location on the renowned Palm Jumeirah and its great range of accommodation, dining options and Dubai skyline views, NH Collection Dubai The Palm represents a key strategic flag for the brand and will certainly make its mark on the hospitality scene in the city.” The new property is owned by Seven Tides, luxury real estate and hospitality developers, which operate a collection of distinguished properties in the UAE and UK. Ghanim Bin Sulayem, Operations Director, Seven Tides, commented: “NH Collection is an upscale brand, which will complement the adjacent Seven Palm residences, as well as other properties in our hospitality portfolio, such as the Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Minor Hotels has been a trusted partner of Seven Tides for a decade now, with a proven track record. We are confident that their professional and dedicated management team will ensure that this property becomes a much sought-after destination for international leisure and business travellers and a social hub for Dubai’s residents.” On NH Collection Dubai The Palm’s long anticipated opening, Manish Jha, General Manager, commented: “It feels extraordinary to debut the NH Collection brand in the Middle East, and Palm Jumeirah here in Dubai is the ideal location. With excellent access to the city’s attractions, our fine facilities, superb dining and spectacular skyline views will make the hotel a hotspot for both locals and visitors. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.” For those planning meetings and events, the hotel offers five bright spaces fitted with the latest technology and ready to cater for up to 45 people. The property’s prime location means downtime can be spent on the beach or exploring the city, while private transfers can be arranged to Dubai International Airport just 30 minutes away. The hotel offers easy access to all the attractions of The Palm, Downtown Dubai, and the leisure districts of JBR and Dubai Marina, while also being within easy reach of Dubai International Airport, Dubai Old Town, and business zones throughout the emirate and the wider UAE. NH Collection Dubai The Palm represents the brand’s debut both in the UAE and the wider Middle East region and joins an existing portfolio of over 90 NH Collection properties worldwide, known for their outstanding service and facilities. NH Collection hotels can be found in top city locations across Europe and the Americas, with two further properties opening in the region later this year. 

This May the Riviera Maya will welcome the much-anticipated return of Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, the storied hideaway in the beating heart of the Riviera Maya. Nestled between 80 hectares of lush tropical jungle and the secluded white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the legendary property has been completely reimagined with Mayan culture at its core. This new chapter of Maroma will reveal ten new waterfront suites, a nature-focussed wellness experience in partnership with Guerlain, ground-breaking sustainability initiatives and a new gastronomic era under Mexican-born executive chef Daniel Camacho.  Internationally renowned designer Tara Bernerd is at the helm of the comprehensive restoration, working with local artisans to honour Mexican heritage. Blending contemporary craft with the sourcing of indigenous materials, the team will create timeless spaces channel the healing energy of the locale. The original design and architecture of the property have been preserved, including the white stucco buildings, aligned to the Sacred Geometry of Mayan masonry. Curved lines and organic forms inspired by the property’s wild surrounds inform the harmonious indoor-outdoor flow of rooms, suites and villas. Each of the 72 accommodations are spread across Maroma’s private stretch of sand, three quarters of which now have ocean views, including a spacious new waterfront suite complete with private pool and garden. In addition, the property’s three pools have been completely redesigned, featuring Sukabumi tiles hand-made from volcanic stone, in the same vibrant turquoise tones as the region’s many natural cenotes. Maroma will also showcase an extraordinary collection of pan-Mexican art and design: 80 percent of furnishings and objects will be made by Mexican craftspeople, from a hand-blown glass chandelier, painted clay pots, to traditional ‘Saltillo’ floor tiles. Founded on the principles of nature and vitality, wellness at Maroma will take on a new dimension with the launch of the first Guerlain Spa in Latin America. Guests will feel the vital flow of healing energies from the jungle oasis and wide open sea in the newly renovated biophilic space. A temple for rejuvenation and a place of deep spirituality, treatment rooms will look out onto the jungle, while local design elements will be incorporated throughout geometric shapes and artisanal objects. Healing rituals are born from the power of nature, ancient practices and that of the sacred Melipona bee, revered by the Mayans for more than 3,000 years as a symbol of spiritual resonance. Centred around balance and harmony, Guerlain creates a unique spa menu with its iconic face and body treatments and exclusive experiences designed around the Mayan wellness philosophy, sound and healing rituals. A true holistic wellness retreat, including a selection of daily workshops in meditation, movement and yoga to resynchronise body, mind and spirit. Guests will also dine well with Mexican-born executive chef Daniel Camacho set to continue his legacy of celebrating his country’s rich culinary diversity at Casa Mayor restaurant. Working on a sustainable provenance approach, 90 percent of ingredients will be sourced from Mexico and almost half from the Yucatán peninsula. A member of #PescaConFuturo, promoting sustainable fishery and aquaculture, freshly caught seafood will be sourced from Amigos de Sian Ka’an. Reinventing traditional Mexican cuisine, colourful dishes will range from seafood towers and Michoacan corundas, to Jalisco-style Birria and chocolate cake with Oaxacan black mole, flamed with house mezcal. For the perfect sundowner, Bambuco offers a more casual affair, where seasonal herbal drinks made fresh from the garden sit alongside Mexican wines, tequila cocktails, and an extensive selection of Mezcal. The legendary beach hangout, Freddy’s Bar will continue to channel the vibrant spirit of the Riviera Maya, with live music and DJ sets, fresh seafood and cocktails.

The Middle East’s first full immersion wellness resort, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, has welcomed the New Year with a New You Retreat to help guests restore balance and reaffirm goals for a happier, healthier year. Available in three- and five-night durations until March 31, 2023, the new retreat has been especially designed by the resort’s resident physician Dr. Syed Shadab Ahmed to guide guests towards a path of sustainable change and support them on their personal wellness journey. Guided by a team of wellness consultants, personal trainers, holistic therapists and nutritionists, the New You retreat begins with a consultation to ascertain a guest’s health concerns and goals. Then, according to their Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) temperament, a personalised programme of movement, relaxation and nutrition is drawn up that encourages the right balance of pushing limits and unwinding, invigorating and calming.  Fitness sessions range from personal and aqua training to yoga and tai chi. Physical release then follows with therapeutic massage and hijama cupping, while mental unwinding is encouraged with a daily spa treatment and meditation. Throughout the programme, and beyond, guests are encouraged to integrate sustainable change in their daily lives.  The New You Retreat programme includes accommodation and three wellness cuisine meals per day; a personal health and wellness consultation; complimentary daily activities; therapeutic treatments; access to the resort’s wellness centre including hydrothermal area, Himalayan salt room and hammam; and personalised herbal supplements for guests to take home.

AC Hotels by Marriott®, the design-led lifestyle brand part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced its brand debut in Greater China with the opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou. Featuring 135 guestrooms, the new hotel has been expertly refined and crafted to deliver The Perfectly Precise Hotel™ experience right in the heart of the picturesque, ancient water town of Suzhou. “We are excited to bring AC Hotels by Marriott to Greater China, making it the seventh brand in our Select Brands portfolio in the region, offering diverse experiences for travelers and locals alike,” said Matthew Boettcher, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Distinctive Select Brand Portfolio. “Suzhou is renowned for its postcard-perfect water channels and canals, home to some exquisitely designed Classical Chinese Gardens that strike a balance of function and beauty, making it the ideal destination to debut the design-driven AC Hotels brand in the country. AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou will create a seamless guest experience that attracts discerning travelers, providing everything they need and nothing they don’t.” Known as “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is an ancient water town filled with elegant waterways, quaint alleyways, and peaceful pavilions. AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou is situated in the heart of the city’s historic Gusu District, home to a rich cultural legacy best exemplified by its Classical Chinese Gardens inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Art and cultural seekers can also visit the many other heritage sites, such as the Lion Grove Garden, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, and the iconic Suzhou Museum. The hotel will also provide easy access to public transportation, with Beisi Pagoda Metro Station within walking distance and Suzhou Railway Station just 2.5 kilometers away. Meanwhile, the 30-minute high-speed train from Shanghai and Suzhou makes it convenient for guests to travel between the two cities. Adding a serene and minimalist touch to the hotel, the exterior design takes cues from traditional Suzhou architecture with its use of whitewashed walls, dark gray clay tile roofs, and folds of geometries. As for the interior design, the hotel has focused on a careful blend of contemporary and traditional elements, allowing for an authentic yet modern decor that belongs to Suzhou. Upon stepping into the hotel lobby, an exquisite atmosphere greets guests, whose eyes will be drawn to a number of art pieces that pay homage to the new Suzhou Museum, designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei. The hotel is home to 135 guest rooms and suites, including five garden rooms featuring a private outdoor garden. Drawing inspiration from Suzhou’s classical gardens, the sleek and modern guest rooms are decorated with silk paintings inspired by the ancient city map, creating an elegant and harmonious ambiance. All rooms are well-equipped with thoughtful amenities, such as a 55-inch, high-definition, LCD television, a walk-in shower, and complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi. The hotel features a range of collaborative spaces, including the AC Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant offering various buffet options, which plays tribute to the Spanish roots of AC and offers an extensive a la carte menu serving local delicacies and Spanish-inspired dishes. The signature AC Lounge, with an outdoor terrace, is an ideal place for guests to enjoy al-fresco dining, relax or work during the day. By night, the comfortable and elegant space transforms into a bustling bar, allowing guests to unwind and socialize over locally sourced beers, wines, and cocktails infused with Jiangnan ingredients, highlighting the signature AC Gin Tonic experience. The hotel houses a 50-square-meter multi-functional space, providing versatility for banquets and business meetings, catering to different guest needs. In addition, the hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, allowing guests to maintain their exercise routine while on the road. "We are delighted to celebrate the opening of AC Hotels’ first property in Greater China. Blending AC’s signature design and concept with Suzhou-style aesthetics, we are proud to showcase the city’s uniqueness to our guests,” said Vincent Li, General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our purposefully designed spaces and curated experiences the brand is known for.”

Dubai’s biggest launch of the year, Atlantis The Royal, sets February 10th of 2023 as its opening date. The 43-storey resort will feature 231 luxury apartments, 693 hotel rooms and 102 suites, all of which offer views of the Arabian Sea and Palm Island. A tank of 2,000 jellyfish will serve as a centrepiece of the lobby bar, with a further three aquariums also in the hotel welcoming area. The resort is also home to 90 swimming pools, including a rooftop infinity pool on the 22nd floor, suspended 90 meters above ground level. Tim Kelly, managing director of Atlantis Dubai says: “This is it. Our moment is finally here to reveal Atlantis The Royal as the world’s most ultra-luxury resort. Atlantis the Royal is about experiencing something you never imagined could be and the architecture sets this up masterfully, with the six towers joined together by a 90-foot infinity pool, redrawing the Dubai skyline and creating a new icon on the Palm. It delivers a bespoke range of breath-taking experiences, inviting guests to swim amongst the clouds in sky pools and be dazzled by fountains that breathe fire. The unique building reflects the once in a lifetime experiences guests will have inside.” Atlantis The Royal was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), with its president, James von Klemperer adding: “We were asked to dream big on this project. To create something unique and iconic for Dubai - and when I look at it now, I’m amazed by the audacity of the whole undertaking. I’m bowled over by what’s been built, with its vertical piling up of outdoor experiences in the pools, outside spaces and remarkable design features at every turn. The gardens in the sky, first imagined in sketches on paper, are now realised hundreds of feet above the ground.”

Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has reinforced its expansion plan with the highly-anticipated opening of its second property in Maldives under its luxury Amari brand. The opening of Amari Raaya Maldives is slated for Q1 2023. It will join Amari Havodda Maldives, further boosting the brand’s presence on the islands. The 200-villa private island resort will occupy a secluded island in the Raa Atoll, located northwest of the Maldivian capital of Male. The resort will feature, seven dining concepts, a Maai Spa, and a kids club. Commenting on the group’s recent performance, Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Owner & CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group said: “Since the pandemic, we have been affected by the same issues as the rest of the hospitality industry. The financial instability of some source markets is forcing us to evaluate and re-focus our marketing efforts.” “In addition to expanding our regional footprint, we are also poised to reposition our three core brands in response to the evolving consumer landscape. This includes a freshen-up of some of our existing key properties. Competition is fierce, particularly in Thailand, and we need to make sure we are consistently working on our brand appeal for both investors and guests.” The leading Asian hospitality group is on track to operate 54 properties by 2025. ONYX currently operates 44 properties, including 10 properties in development.