Industry News

Featuring a takeover at Malpeque and a cooking demonstration at Chaya, guests will enjoy unique offerings by Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet and Director of Bars and Agave Expert David Hernandez CANCUN, Mexico – This June, Waldorf Astoria Cancun will launch a partnership with Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal at the resort’s signature restaurant Malpeque. Joining forces on June 7th and 8th, the luxurious Cancun resort will welcome Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet and Director of Bars and Agave Expert David Hernandez from Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal to offer an exclusive food and beverage tasting experience open to guests and locals who find themselves at the resort.   As the resort's signature dining venue, Malpeque honors the splendor of the sea and the intensity of fire, featuring an abundant raw bar. This summer, Malpeque will host the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal TRAVESÍA pop-up, led by Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet. Guests can embark on a journey through the distinct regions of Mexico with a tasting menu all surrounding the beloved taco. Rooted in native cooking techniques to spotlight the flavors and ingredients of the country, guests can indulge in delights like Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Shrimp Empanadas, Scallop and Snail Tostadas, among other exquisite dishes.  Waldorf Astoria Cancun - Chaya In addition to the takeover, Waldorf Astoria Cancun invited Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet to lead a cooking demonstration at restaurant Chaya on the same weekend. Chaya is the resort’s all-day brasserie, offering a relaxed, comfortable, and revitalizing menu that showcases the beauty of hyper-seasonal ingredients, unique products, and small-scale producers. The demonstration will be called Baja Shells Cooking Class and will showcase dishes such as Grilled Clams, Chocolata Clams and Garlic Butter, Reyna Clam & Miso with Yuzu Butter, and Oysters with Kimchi and Machaca.  Complementing these extraordinary culinary events, the resort is introducing the Waldorf Astoria Cancun Culinary Passport. This convenient passport allows guests to receive a special collectible stamp of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal whenever they travel to Waldorf Astoria Cancun throughout the year, ensuring a seamless and rewarding culinary journey.   Waldorf Astoria Cancun - Lobby "We are thrilled to welcome Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet and Director of Bars and Agave Expert David Hernandez from Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal for this unique culinary collaboration," said Jimena Fernández, marketing director, Waldorf Astoria Cancun. "This event exemplifies our commitment to providing unparalleled dining experiences, and we look forward to offering our guests an unforgettable gastronomic journey."  Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet has been part of the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal team since 2016. He oversees all culinary operations for El Farallon, Don Manuel’s, The Beach Club, Crudo, weddings and social events (including cooking classes), poolside dining, and the resort’s in-room dining program. David Hernandez, director of bars and agave expert, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, has been with the resort since 2021 and has a seasoned professional background with over two decades of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, specializing in the art of mixology.   "I am delighted to be part of the Waldorf Astoria Culinary Passport and bring the flavors of Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal’s cuisine to Malpeque in Cancun. This collaboration is an incredible opportunity to share our passion for gastronomy and create memorable experiences together," said Executive Chef Gustavo Pinet, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.  Waldorf Astoria Cancun - Aerial Opened in 2022, Waldorf Astoria Cancun is a 173-room luxury resort set among the verdant mangroves of the Yucatan Peninsula, offering panoramic ocean views, world-class dining, and destination-worthy wellness offerings. The opening of Waldorf Astoria Cancun marked the 200th hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America for Hilton, as well as the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in the Mexican Caribbean and second in the country. With menus crafted by consummate connoisseurs, guests can indulge and imbibe in various dining options across five food and beverage venues. From the chic Peacock Alley Lounge to signature restaurant Malpeque, Waldorf Astoria Cancun has refined dining experiences spanning light fare to expertly prepared regional and global dishes that showcase premier local ingredients.       

French culinary expert will prepare exclusive dinner and lunch sets on May 29, 30 and 31.

The special event, in partnership with the acclaimed Mexican restaurant, runs throughout May.

Chef Nicolas Isnard, who has honed his distinctive culinary approach at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants around France and elsewhere, will prepare a series of exclusive meals at Raffles Hotel Le Royal later this month. The iconic luxury hotel will offer special set dinners and lunches featuring Chef Nicolas’ culinary creations on April 24, 25 and 26, as it continues to elevate fine dining in the Cambodian capital. Born in the south of France, Chef Nicolas brings Gallic sensibilities to his inventive cuisine while drawing on a gastronomic journey that has taken him around the world. He has served in acclaimed French restaurants Auberge du Vieux Puits (today 3 Michelin stars), La Rotonde (2 Michelin stars) and Le Vieux Logis (1 Michelin star), among others, and he has prepared celebrated meals in Dubai, Beijing, Moscow, Singapore, Macao, Casablanca and elsewhere. At Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s signature fine-dining venue Restaurant Le Royal, Chef Nicolas will serve two exclusive dining options daily, including a sumptuous dinner set (priced at $92++) and a lunch set (priced at $42++), with optional wine pairings in addition to a special Louis XIII tasting. Dinner will be served between 6:30pm and 9:30pm, and lunch between 12pm and 3pm. Highlights of his culinary repertoire include Rose de Champignons & Saint Jacques Sauce Tom Kah featuring fresh mushrooms in a delectable Thai-inspired sauce; Pigeon, Mais, Ail Noir, Passion & Sauce Cacahuetes made with pigeon, black garlic, passionfruit and peanut sauce; Pot Au Pho de Foie Gras, a dish inspired by the beloved Vietnamese noodle dish with foie gras; and Rouget, Safran & Aubergines, spotlighting fresh red mullet fish, saffron and eggplant. Chef Nicolas’ upcoming meals are the latest in Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s exclusive culinary series. They follow an appearance in March by Chef Martin Simolka from the 5-star Le Scribe in Paris Opéra. Last year, French Chef Pascal Favre d’Anne, the recipient of 1 Michelin star, and Chef Patrice Hardy of Le Palme d'Or (2 Michelin stars) in Cannes and La Brettonnière (1 Michelin star) in Boulogne-Billancourt also served meals at the hotel. The 2-Michelin-star Chef Thierry Drapeau and Vietnam Iron Chef winner Chef Sakal Phoeung also prepared a series of “four-hands” dining experiences. Photo credits: Raffles Hotel Le Royal

This summer, The Nautilus Maldives, invites guests to explore the sparkling seas and embark on an unforgettable journey with distinguished diving experts Jeff and Sarah Milisen from Hawaii. The Nautilus Ocean Discovery Week is taking place from July 24th to 31st, marking the debut of this exciting annual event. The Nautilus lies in the Maldives renowed Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, boasting over 40 dive sites teeming with incredible marine life. Divers and snorkellers can immerse themselves in the tranquility of these waters, enhanced by the enchanting spectacle of the starlit sky. As daylight fades, guests can witness the ocean transform into a mesmerising realm illuminated by bioluminescent organisms and the gentle glow of underwater torches. Jeff Milisen, a distinguished marine biology scientist and celebrated blackwater photographer, unveils the mysteries of nocturnal marine life. Renowned for his captivating imagery capturing elusive species, Jeff’s expertise has garned international acclaim, including 14 prestigious contest wins. Jeff’s book “A Field Guide to Blackwater Diving in Hawaii”, published in 2020, is used to train dive professionals and scientists worldwide. Complementing Jeff’s passion, Sarah Milisen, Director of Education at a 5-Star PADI Dive Center in Hawaii, channels her extensive in-water experience of 23 years into nurturing environmentally conscious ocean stewards. Throughout The Nautilus Ocean Discovery Week, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of the ocean through guided night snorkelling and diving experiences. Led by knowledgeable guides Jeff and Sarah, participants will delve into the captivating realm of nocturnal marine life. They'll be treated to a mesmerising display of fluorescent corals, and the intricate patterns of nocturnal fish, offering a unique perspective on the underwater world after dark. As part of the week's activities, guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to embark on an excursion to Hanifaru Bay, renowned as one of the world's premier manta ray feeding grounds and accessible via a luxurious speedboat journey just 30 minutes from The Nautilus. Here, they can witness the awe-inspiring sight of these majestic creatures as they glide through the water in their timeless and mesmerising dance. Before venturing out on the private guided manta experience, guests will have the privilege of learning from The Nautilus's resident marine biologist, gaining insights into the fascinating behaviour and ecology of manta rays. Guests can venture beyond the ocean’s embrace and indulge in a myriad of activities to suit every adventurer’s palate. From exhilarating water sports such as Seabob or E-foil expeditions to mindful and tranquil excapes at Solasta Spa, where guests can experience unique in-water relaxation techniques including floating yoga, breathwork and meditation in the overwater pavilion, and water sound healing. Young wonderers and teenagers are invited to participate in a marine biologist workshop, Bubble Maker courses, an underwater treasure hunt, a watercolour art workshop, a mocktail making class, and an engaging blackwater photo exhibition hosted by Jeff. Aspiring underwater photographers will have the exclusive opportunity to learn the art of underwater photography from Jeff, who generously shares his professional insights and techniques. Gastronomic connoisseurs can indulge in a journey of flavour and sophistication unlike any other, with The Nautilus’s award-winning culinary and mixology team as they celebrate the theme with a tantalising array of aqua-inspired cocktail creations and meticulously curated dining experiences.

Tourism Fiji is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to host the inaugural AdventureNEXT Fiji event from November 20th to 22nd, 2024. ATTA, a global organization committed to fostering responsible and sustainable adventure travel and trade, serves as a collaborative platform for businesses, destinations, and individuals in the adventure tourism sector. AdventureNEXT Fiji aims to spotlight Fiji as a burgeoning adventure travel destination while providing a platform for local operators to engage with international stakeholders. Tourism Fiji CEO, Brent Hill expressed his enthusiasm stating, “Tourism Fiji is excited to be partnering with ATTA to bring the first AdventureNEXT event to Fiji in November this year. AdventureNEXT is where Fiji can position its adventure tourism experiences to a large audience of between 250-300 international buyers and media, who will in turn then spread the word about Fiji’s natural, cultural and adventure tourism activities to their audiences. While accommodation investment is vital, so too is enriching tourism experiences, particularly in adventure tourism, aligning with Fiji's offerings and opening opportunities for local entrepreneurs." Shannon Stowell, ATTA CEO said, “Tourism Fiji sees a chance to enhance adventure tourism, tapping into a $300 billion market set to grow by 17% in the next 8 years.” “Having our first major event in the South Pacific is exciting and the fact that Fiji is taking such a leadership role by hosting is powerful. Fiji offers such amazing experiences and culture, and the ATTA cannot wait to put on AdventureNEXT. It’s even more special for me personally as Fiji was my first international travel experience back in 1986. I’ve had to wait almost 40 years to return and am really anticipating visiting Fiji again.” With a diverse attendance including adventure tour operators, travel agents, and media representatives, AdventureNEXT Fiji will feature famils, keynote speakers, and workshops, enriching the experience for all participants and contributing over $1 million to Fiji's visitor economy.

A new campaign offers carefully curated packages to spotlight both Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s touristic landscapes

ELE|NA, a leader in wellness, is proud to announce a groundbreaking commitment to ocean conservancy through its strategic partnership with OCEANR+, a brand dedicated to ocean conservation. This collaboration unites ELE|NA's focus on wellness with OCEANR+'s innovative approach to sustainable apparel, emphasizing a shared dedication to tackling environmental challenges and enhancing the wellness experience. Plastic Pollution: A Global Challenge Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, with an estimated 13 million tonnes entering our oceans annually. To combat this crisis, ELE|NA and OCEANR+ are joining forces, leveraging OCEANR+'s expertise in transforming post-consumer plastic waste into high-quality, eco-friendly clothing and products. This partnership underscores both brands' commitment to sustainable practices and responsible business operations. Key highlights of this partnership include: Recycled Fabrics Impact: Together, we have prevented a significant number of plastic bottles from polluting our ecosystem by choosing recycled polyester. Shared Sustainability Objectives: OCEANR+'s pillars of sustainability—focusing on people, product, and planet—resonate with ELE|NA's ethos of responsible and mindful business practices. "A Kilo for the Planet" Initiative: In collaboration with NGO Enaleia, OCEANR+ funds the removal of 30,000KG of ocean plastic annually, engaging with fishing communities across the Mediterranean and Indian oceans. Introducing Sustainable Wellness Apparel ELE|NA is delighted to unveil an exclusive range of sustainable wear, including rash guards and caps, thoughtfully designed for the unique climatic conditions of the Maldives. This eco-friendly attire not only respects the environment but also elevates the wellness experience for ELE|NA's guests. ELE|NA's wellness practitioners are now adorned in OCEANR+ apparel while delivering the OCEANFLOW treatment—a therapeutic amalgamation of global healing traditions such as Watsu, Water Dance, Ayurveda, and more. OCEANFLOW is designed to foster healing and rejuvenation for the mind, body, and soul. OCEANFLOW: A Revolutionary Healing Experience OCEANFLOW is effective in addressing various health conditions, reducing stress, improving mobility, alleviating discomfort from arthritis and rheumatism, easing back pain, relieving headaches and migraines, aiding insomnia management, supporting post-operative rehabilitation, assisting accident recovery, addressing trauma, helping overcome aquaphobia, and providing care for expectant mothers. This partnership between ELE|NA and OCEANR+ marks a significant milestone in combining sustainable luxury with holistic wellness, setting a new standard in environmental stewardship and health.

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) today announced an exclusive strategic partnership that will welcome Hilton guests to hundreds of independently minded luxury hotels in the most sought-after destinations around the world. The partnership will dramatically expand the luxury experiences offered by Hilton as unique SLH properties join the unparalleled hotels of the growing Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts and LXR Hotels & Resorts brands. Through this exclusive partnership, which will ramp up in the months ahead, all of Hilton’s customers, including the more than 180 million members of Hilton Honors, will soon be able to dream, book and earn and redeem Points for stays at participating properties in the SLH community of 560 luxury boutique hotels spanning 90 countries. These locations are highly complementary to Hilton’s vast network of hotels and will give guests access to additional luxury accommodations in hundreds of new destinations.  “Hilton guests are among the most sophisticated travelers in the world, and we are always looking for amazing new experiences to share with them,” said Chris Silcock, president, Global Brands and Commercial Services, Hilton. “This relationship with Small Luxury Hotels of the World will grant Hilton customers and Hilton Honors members access to a community of high-end boutique hotels in exciting new luxury travel destinations, giving them more ways to dream, book, and earn and redeem points with Hilton.” Participating SLH hotels will be bookable on all Hilton channels, giving the hotels exposure to a broad audience while allowing them to retain the independent spirit that makes each property unique. “We’re thrilled to begin this win-win relationship with Hilton as it brings exciting possibilities for both brands,” said Shaun Leleu, chairman, Small Luxury Hotels of the World. “Hilton customers, including Hilton Honors members, gain access to our unrivalled collection of exceptional boutique hotels, while our properties enjoy amplified reach to a loyal and discerning audience. It's a game changer for independently owned hotels on a global scale.” More details of this new relationship will be announced soon.  Hilton continues to offer customers the right stay for every travel occasion through an unmatched portfolio of industry-leading brands plus exclusive partnerships that create more experiences for guests to dream about. The partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World adds to the company’s dramatic growth trajectory and reflects its focus on accelerating offerings for customers in the hottest, fastest-growing segments and markets of the industry. 

Collaborating with artists, culturists and community leaders, including multi-hyphenate entertainer Lilly Singh and surrealist painter Camilla Engström, Four Seasons shines a light on the power of creativity and kindness.

The Chedi Andermatt is taking Swiss hospitality into new realms, as it announces today its arrival in the metaverse. Tech-savvy travellers will be able to visit a new virtual showroom and book three exclusive packages for future stays at the five-star deluxe hotel. The Chedi Andermatt’s arrival in the metaverse was made possible thanks to a partnership with Worldline. Visitors will be able to book three packages directly through the virtual showroom, and pay for future experiences and stays via various online channels, including cryptocurrencies. In 2021, the hotel became the first Swiss hotel to accept payments in Bitcoin and Ethereum, two of the most-used cryptocurrencies, for on-site payments at the property. Today’s announcement reinforces The Chedi Andermatt’s reputation as a crypto and digital pioneer, not just in the Swiss hospitality scene but on a global scale. The metaverse is the internet of the future, overcoming the limits of today’s e-commerce platforms, aiming to facilitate payments and connetions between billions of people. Dubbed ‘Web 3.0’, the metaverse will extend the possibilities of work, socialising, shopping and payments in a three-dimensional virtual world. Worldline, already a leader in payment services, was the first payment provider to recognise the metaverse potential and create a showroom in this new universe.

The well-loved resort of The Lux Collective, LUX* South Ari Atoll - known for its holistic wellness approach extending to lifestyle practices and beyond, is set to welcome global fitness and wellbeing experts from September to November 2023. A Wellness Weekend with Yoko Kawaguchi Bringing over a decade of experience in holistic therapies, Yoko will invite resort guests to release stress and tap into energy healing practices from September 4 to October 14. Her Auriculotherapy, Traditional Japanese Usui Reiki and Aromatherapy treatments are proven beneficial for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Exclusively during the World Wellness Weekend on September 15 to 17, purifying Reiki sessions by Yoko will be available complimentary for all guests. Beach Volley Camp with Jochen Shöps A German professional volleyball player, Jochen will share his expertise with everyone who would like to sharpen their volley skills from October 21 to 28. With the track-record of supporting his national team in many wins, including the Olympic Games and World Championship, Jochen will host daily workshops and be the judge of the island’s Beach Volley Tournament in the tropical island setting of LUX* South Ari Atoll. Farm-to-Table with Avinash Martins Coming from India, Chef Avinash brings years of culinary experience to food enthusiasts during exclusive cooking classes and curated dinners hosted at the resort between November 13 to 21. Voted as one of the Top 30 Chefs by Culinary Culture and Sustainable Chef of the Year’ by Travel + Leisure India, Avinash’s food philosophy embodies his passions: slow food, sustainability, vocal-for-local and farm-to-table. With LUX* ME Wellness concept at its core, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers a wholesome view on wellbeing. In addition to therapeutic spa treatments, the resort’s approach to self-care includes mindful practices, fitness for all levels, and conscious eating. Famous for its healthy and plant-based Keen On Green concept, which comprises a third of all restaurant menus, LUX* South Ari Atoll has been recognised for its sustainability and wellness practices with numerous awards, including “Best Vegan-Friendly Resort in the Indian Ocean” by LUXlife Global Wedding Awards and “Indian Ocean’s Best Wellness Retreat” by World Spa Awards.