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Executive Sous Chef Dorn Doeurt’s dishes embrace fresh, local and sustainable produce

Sun Siyam Resorts is enhancing the all-inclusive experience in the Maldives with the launch of its 24-hour, resort-wide all-inclusive plan, available across all properties as of November 1st 2024. Photo credits: Sun Siyam Resorts The new 24-hour all-inclusive plan has been launched following the success and demand for Siyam World's premium 24 hour all-inclusive which has laid the foundation for its expansion across all resorts. Additionally, in resorts with multiple meal plans, booking data indicates that in 2024, 85% of British guests choose all-inclusive over BB, HB and FB options. Aside from dining options in multiple restaurants and premium drinks, the popularity of Sun Siyam Resorts all-inclusive product is due to the extensive selection of activities – all included. From snorkeling safaris and dolphin cruises to sunset fishing and spa or watersports credit, each curated experience caters to every traveller, whether they seek relaxation, adventure, or both. With this new 24-hour all-inclusive approach, Sun Siyam Resorts sets a new benchmark for flexible but attainable, worry-free travel, delivering incredible value and endless ways to enjoy the beauty and culture of the Maldives without add-ons and hidden costs. Photo credits: Sun Siyam Resorts Each resort brings its own unique touch to the all-inclusive experience: Iru Veli's premium all-inclusive Signature Plan covers activities like paddleboarding, windsurfing, and even offers jet ski or spa credits along with three excursions. At Siyam World, the WOW! premium all-inclusive plan offers unlimited access to Siyam Water World—the Maldives' largest floating water park, various excursions to choose from, and 24/7 dining and entertainment within 18 bars and restaurants. Iru Fushi's all-inclusive package and dine-around meal plan in more than 15 restaurants and bars, offers serene, day-to-night luxury, delivering drinks and bites on demand, while Vilu Reef and Olhuveli both feature all-inclusive dine-around packages with waterfront bars that welcome guests at all hours. For more information visit www.sunsiyam.com

Marking the brand's Australian debut, the 2025 opening of Mondrian Gold Coast is set to ignite the region's lifestyle hospitality scene, leading a new direction in antipodean style across architecture, design, cuisine, wellness and cultural connection. Photo credits: Mondrian Gold Coast Since the opening of its first property, Mondrian LA, in 1996, Mondrian has continued to break the mould of lifestyle hospitality. Built by some of the world's most iconic dreamers and visionary designers, each Mondrian emerges as a creative hive where the fantastical meets the future and dream-like spaces immerse guests in the culture of the place it inhabits, both in aesthetics and spirit. These distinctive hallmarks of the brand have been the driving force behind its successful expansion, currently encompassing 11 properties based in some of the world's most exciting cultural destinations. Mondrian's expansion in Australia marks an exciting milestone for the evolution of the brand, which is part of Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company. Located on one of Queensland's most iconic beaches and surrounded by outstanding natural beauty, Mondrian Gold Coast will capture Burleigh's eclectic rhythm, creative community and sun-bleached surf scene. Photo credits: Mondrian Gold Coast Set within a sculptural masterpiece designed by leading Australian architects Fraser & Partners, the hotel unfolds across 24 floors allowing for breathtaking views across the pine tree-framed beach and Pacific Ocean beyond as well as the verdant Hinterlands. The sleek design of the 208 studios, suites and homes, including spectacular two- and three-bedroom Beach Houses and the hotel-crowning Sky House, has been conceived by award-winning Studio Carter and is informed by the textural and tonal interplay of the sugar-white sands and pandanus-studded coastline.       Designed by acclaimed multi-disciplinary architecture practice Alexander &Co, the ground-floor restaurant spills out onto a sun-dappled terrace, blurring the lines between inside and out and capturing Burleigh's infectious energy and humming street scene. On the third floor, the oceanfront restaurant and pool club are a tangible celebration of the region's exquisite local produce and culinary creativity. A wellness space and spa specialising in future-forward treatments, as well as an extensive hybrid events space, completes the scene for the Gold Coast's most exciting new arrival. “Australia has long been a strategic focus for Mondrian's growth, and the Gold Coast was a focal point thanks to its phenomenal natural setting, rich cultural landscape, and vibrant social scene. Over the last couple of years, we have seen a rising demand for lifestyle brands, where locals and international guests are looking for authentic, creative and immersive experiences – all the hallmarks of the Mondrian brand. It felt a natural choice to bring Mondrian to the Gold Coast and we believe it will resonate strongly with the local market and lend something entirely new to the hospitality space”, says Chadi Farhat, Brand COO Mondrian Hotels & Residences.

Celebrate Christmas in Style on Koh Samui A gourmet’s paradise of 5-star feasting is on the cards at Banyan Tree Samui this Christmas, with each of its three restaurants offering a colourful variety of dining options from Dec 24-26, inclusive. The resort’s beachfront restaurant, Sands, offers a 3-course set lunch and a 5-course set dinner (or 7-course vegetarian alternative) on each of those three days, while award-winning fine-dining venue Saffron hosts set evening dinners in a sophisticated and tranquil ambience. Meanwhile, The Edge restaurant will entice diners with an abundant buffet menu from Dec 24-26, offering both Western and Eastern cuisine and a host of Christmas surprises.For more information or reservations, contact samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 77 915 333. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Twas the Night Before Xmas, and Krabi is Stirring Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, Banyan Tree Krabi is hosting a sumptuous Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at its popular restaurant The Naga Kitchen. Starting from 6:30pm, guests and diners will be paraded with an astounding variety of delectable international culinary choices, including salads and appetisers, cheese and cold cuts, an Indian Tandoori selection, freshly baked pizzas, a carving station, Japanese favourites, and delicious seafood options such as Spicy Tuna and Salmon Tartare with Local Fresh Herbs.For more information or reservations, contact krabi@banyantree.com or tel: +66 075 811 888. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Ring in 2025 with a Samui Beach Party Located in a private bay at the southeastern corner of the island, Banyan Tree Samui invites guests and revellers to experience their “A Night Under the Sea Party Night” from 10pm till 1am on New Year’s Eve. The night will begin with a fabulous feast - a 5-course gala dinner set menu from 7pm to 10pm - with everything from appetisers such as sushi and sashimi, French foie gras, oysters, tiger prawns and Russian caviar to main courses of prime rib of beef, lamb crown or Tasmanian grilled salmon, and a host of delectable desserts. At 10pm, the party moves to the beachside where a dance floor will burst into life. For more information or reservations, contact samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 77 915 333. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Kick Off 2025 with Countdown in Krabi Banyan Tree Krabi bids farewell to 2024 with a Gala Dinner and Countdown Party with live entertainment, an extravagant buffet, and selected free-flow alcoholic beverages. Starting at 7pm on 31st Dec with a festive feast at The Naga Kitchen venue, diners can choose from an array of cheeses, cold cuts, a salad bar, homemade smoked salmon, truffle soup, iced seafood including fin de claire oysters, as well as a selection of Southern Thai and Japanese culinary delights. There’s also a supervised Kids’ Corner as the party moves to the beach when midnight approaches.For more information or reservations, contact krabi@banyantree.com or tel: +66 075 811 888.

The hotel will host a classical music concert in its elegant courtyard on Nov. 23

Portofino, the jewel of the Italian Riviera will enter a new era of splendour next June, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino reveals a new, major phase of its multi-year renovation, by internationally renowned Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. An emblem of Portofino’s allure since the 1950s, the hotel will reveal an entirely renovated main building, capturing the spirit of Ligurian craftsmanship and design, including a redesigned cocktail bar and new Dior Spa. This third phase of Splendido’s renovation coincides with the launch of Villa Beatrice in Portofino – a first-of-its-kind, exclusive private villa for the Belmond portfolio, launching July 2025.  Photo credits: Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino A NEW ERA FOR PORTOFINO’S GRANDE DAME  The meticulous restoration of the former 16th-century Benedictine monastery, led by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, honours the history of the building while delicately injecting contemporary relevance. Over the course of each summer reopening, the hotel has unveiled new spaces: 2024 welcomed new rooms and a lobby, whilst in 2023 the hotel revealed the transformation of the celebrated pool area, famously overlooking the sparkling Ligurian Bay, as well as the new Splendido Grill restaurant and the renovated Baronessa Suite, one of the hotel’s signature suites, inspired by the noble Palazzos of the region. For the 2025 season, Splendido, a legendary haven of glamour and natural beauty, will continue its evolution revealing a renovated main building, with a focus on new rooms and communal areas, including a restyled cocktail bar; coffee bar; lounge bar; breakfast area; retail space; champagne display and Dior Spa. This new wellness space includes four treatment cabins and a dedicated relaxation space on an exclusive roof terrace. The new rooms and suites are adorned with contemporary Italian artworks and local botanical prints, whilst the corridors feature exclusive sketches of Portofino and heritage photos of the iconic property and its guests, over the years. Nestled in the tranquil hillside above Portofino, Splendido has been the epitome of la Dolce Vita since the 1950s. Set in a terraced former 16th-century Benedictine monastery overlooking the bay, the hotel is both a timeless retreat and a glamorous destination, welcoming acclaimed guests from renowned actors to artists and film directors, and even royalty. Inspired by the natural beauty and legacy of the Ligurian Riviera, Splendido’s landscaping offers versatile spaces capable of hosting both grand events and smaller, more intimate gatherings. The planting scheme incorporates indigenous flora and minerals, reflecting the distinctive beauty of Portofino. The colour palette draws inspiration from the blues and turquoises of the Mediterranean Sea, while the unique “Puddinga” rock formations of Portofino’s cliffs and the fragrant subtropical and Ligurian herbs further enhance the botanical ambience. Photo credits: Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino THE REBIRTH OF VILLA BEATRICE, A MAJESTIC SUMMER RESIDENCE  Just a short walk down the tranquil hillside of the protected national park lies Villa Beatrice, launching in July 2025 as one of the most scenic, exclusive private villas on the Italian Riviera – and a first for the Belmond portfolio. Perched on a private spit above Punta Caiega, on the Gulf of Portofino, between the Ligurian coastal hamlets of Paraggi and Portofino, this masterfully restored family palazzo offers an outstanding panoramic viewpoint over the Riviera. Belmond’s new private villa offering brings guests seclusion and intimacy with private sea access, whilst benefitting from all of Splendido’s hotel services. Located within the gardens of a national park and set across three main floors, with an additional ‘Torretta’ (little tower) attic floor and rooftop terrace, the villa summer residence sleeps up to ten guests across five keys, including La Casetta – a secluded one-bedroom cottage amidst citrus groves. Originally known as Villa Odero and built by renowned Ligurian mogul Attilio Odero, Villa Beatrice was crafted by Tuscan architect Gino Coppedè, blending Gothic Revival with Art Nouveau innovation. Belmond acquired the villa in 2021 and has since overseen its meticulous restoration under Martin Brudnizki’s interior design vision and Marco Bay’s landscape architecture expertise. Design highlights include the renovation of original Coppedè external frescoes and internal ceilings, marble bathrooms and a collection of heritage antiques and contemporary artwork from the region. Guests will enjoy a subtropical secret sea garden, plunge pool with sun deck, butler service, a fully equipped kitchen with personal chef upon request, gym, summer pavilion for yoga or treatments and an expansive shaded terrace for al fresco dining and family gatherings. Every angle of Belmond’s lush lookout offers a private panorama of Portofino and beyond. Villa Beatrice enjoys a majestic position on the Gulf of Tigullio, with views over Paraggi and the Cinque Terre to the East, and Portofino to the West, and the lower terraces of the Villa offer a much closer view of Portofino Bay. “The guiding vision for Villa Beatrice was to create a space that seamlessly blends modern sophistication with the rich history of the Ligurian coast, where guests feel as though they’ve been welcomed into a cherished family villa; lovingly upheld and enriched by generations. The historic residence has been thoughtfully restored to reflect Portofino’s cultural heritage, with each design choice carefully researched to ensure authenticity and contextual relevance. Most of the furniture is vintage and has been sourced from local estate sales and auction houses, while the materiality is native to Italy – custom made by local artisans. We really wanted to cultivate a relaxed ambiance that embraces a distinctly local approach to luxury, resonating with the villa’s enduring spirit. Each element tells the story of Villa Beatrice, offering guests an authentic experience that highlights the charm and history of Portofino—this is the essence of true luxury” – Martin Brudnizki, Founder of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. “We are thrilled to unveil the next chapter of Splendido’s story. This meticulous undertaking elevates the guest experience to new heights, while preserving the hotel’s legendary allure and celebrating time-honoured Ligurian craftsmanship. As Splendido preserves its four-century heritage in Portofino, the addition of Villa Beatrice to the Belmond portfolio enhances our foothold in this captivating region, setting a new standard for luxury and privacy, and further solidifying Belmond’s legacy as proud custodians of storied properties and purveyor of incomparable experiences” – Alfonso Pacifico, Area Managing Director Portofino and General Manager of Splendido, A Belmond Hotel.

Regent Porto Montenegro, a contemporary five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Porto Montenegro in the stunning Bay of Kotor, is delighted to announce an exciting brand-new collaboration with GoBaloo, Montenegro’s leading 4X4 off-road adventure specialist. Photo credits: Regent Porto Montenegro Renowned for its impeccable service and elegant design, Regent Porto Montenegro offers guests the chance to complement their stay with a thrilling adventure with GoBaloo. Guests can explore Montenegro’s rugged beauty like never before, with adrenaline-pumping off-road expeditions, cultural tours, and hiking experiences. This experience is perfect for those looking to add a touch of excitement to their luxury getaway.  Discover Montenegro’s Untamed Wilderness This exclusive experience takes guests beyond the Adriatic coast and into Montenegro’s wild, mountainous terrain. GoBaloo’s expert guides lead off-road excursions to Durmitor, the country’s highest peak, while traversing breathtaking coastal roads and secluded trails. Along the way, guests can hike through untouched forests and soak in panoramic views that reveal Montenegro’s most scenic and hidden gems including the Museum of Living History, Fort St Andrija, and the historic village of Gornji Stoliv.  Many of the adventures are four hours long and include picnic lunches with local Montenegrin dishes, homemade rose juice, and freshly brewed coffee. Regent Porto Montenegro and GoBaloo have expertly curated the itineraries enabling guests to have an enriching experience that encompasses the culture, history, and local food of Montenegro.  Photo credits: Regent Porto Montenegro Experience Montenegro Differently This new partnership between Regent Porto Montenegro and GoBaloo brings together the best of both worlds: the finest in luxury and the untamed spirit of Montenegro’s natural landscape. Adventurous travellers can now immerse themselves in the dramatic contrasts of this beautiful country, whilst staying at the stunning five-star Montenegro, experiencing both luxury and exploration in one unforgettable stay.   

Bob W, the tech-powered hospitality provider, has signed a lease for its first property in Sweden, marking a major step in its European expansion and completing its presence across all four Nordic capital cities. Photo credits: Bob W The seven-storey property, a former hotel located in Stockholm’s vibrant city-centre district of Norrmalm, will undergo comprehensive refurbishment works to transform it into a Bob W building.  The operator has partnered with forward-thinking Swedish landlord, Altira, to convert the site located on the corner of Döbelnsgatan and Kammakargatan into a design-led, tech-powered space, with practical completion expected in summer 2025. Bob W Stockholm City Centre is the company’s first venture into the Swedish market, strengthening Bob W’s foothold across Europe and adding to its presence in 17 cities across 10 countries.  The property is located in the heart of Stockholm, providing guests with unmatched convenience and easy access to the entire city. Surrounded by top cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment, the new Bob W is just steps from major museums, theatres, and a variety of restaurants. Ideally situated near a major business hub with numerous offices and tech companies, it’s also conveniently close to a Metro station, allowing guests effortless travel across the city. In usual Bob W style, this property will undergo an extensive programme of refurbishment and redesign in collaboration with a local designer, in this case Stockholm-based Note Design Studio. Renowned for its many award-winning projects, Note will work closely with Bob W to deliver a sustainable, locally inspired design narrative to life.  With Note’s reputation for innovative, sustainable design, the collaboration highlights Bob W’s commitment to creating unique and immersive guest experiences that reflect local culture while aligning with the brand’s forward-thinking, eco-conscious approach. Note’s artistry will ensure that each space feels both authentic and inspiring, perfectly suited to Bob W’s guests in Stockholm. Photo credits: Bob W Victor Hallengren, Head of Investments at Altira, said “Excited to partner up with Bob W, an innovator in tech powered hospitality for the next generation of travellers, to transform this property into a high-quality, cutting-edge hospitality flagship.” Johannes Karlström, founding partner at Note Design Studio, said: "We are happy to partner with Bob W in establishing their first location in Sweden. This fast-growing challenger in the hospitality market is an exciting match for us. Our understanding of the design qualities demanded by the modern traveller, paired with Bob W's sustainable, tech-powered offering, brings an innovative and energetic boost to Stockholm's hospitality scene.” The property is located in the heart of Stockholm, providing guests with unmatched convenience and easy access to the entire city. Surrounded by top cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment, the new Bob W is just steps from major museums, theatres, and a variety of restaurants. Ideally situated near a major business hub with numerous offices and tech companies, it’s also conveniently close to a Metro station, allowing guests effortless travel across the city. Niko Karstikko, Co-founder of Bob W, said: “Stockholm is a market we have always wanted to enter and this expansion marks a key milestone for Bob W’s growth strategy. We are now present across all Nordic capitals, further solidifying our market leadership. We’re excited to introduce our flexible hospitality concept to one of Europe’s most dynamic cities." “The new Bob W caters to today’s generation of guests that are looking for the consistency of a hotel with the comfort of a home, and a place to work, as well as rest. Perfect for stays ranging from days, weeks to months, our apartments blend local design influences with bespoke technology and offer a sustainable, flexible and convenient place to stay in one of the best locations Stockholm has to offer." “We will open the doors in 2025 and continue to explore and identify more suitable assets across Sweden and beyond.” Bob W is one of Europe’s best-ranked international hospitality providers and currently has a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 77, and an average guest rating of 4.7 out of five stars.  Bob W Stockholm will be a combination of studios with kitchens and one-bedroom apartments all backed by apps that provide a seamless digital front desk and robust customer service. Guests can easily select super-early check-ins or late check-outs based on live availability and have access to the mainly chat-based perfect host ‘Bob W’ for recommendations and local tips.  The operator’s ‘marketplace’ also connects guests to local breakfast spots, gyms, facilities, and a host of digital products to ensure a truly local experience. Bob W was advised by Nordic Hotel Consulting in establishing its Swedish entity and finalising the lease agreement. 

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This holiday season, Palace Hotel Tokyo is presenting travelers with the opportunity to celebrate ‘A Tokyo Christmas’ in splendor and style, replete with artful Christmas cakes and a host of fine-dining experiences to choose from. Photo credits: Palace Hotel Tokyo As one of the city’s most lauded hotels, Palace Hotel Tokyo is also one of the most elegant each festive season. This year, the centerpiece, 16-foot Christmas tree standing tall in the lobby moat-side will be decked out in red and gold baubles while elsewhere, installations inspired by snow-kissed treetops reflecting the golden hues of moon-lit nights bring a hint of the outdoors in. Designed to bring a touch of home to a luxurious holiday getaway, ‘A Tokyo Christmas’ includes: One night’s accommodation in a choice of a Deluxe with Balcony or Grand Deluxe room Choice of breakfast in-room or at Grand Kitchen An assortment of home-made Christmas cookies presented in a limited-edition tin A 5.5-foot-tall, in-room Christmas tree decorated with lights and red and gold ornaments Available for stays between December 20-25, rates for ‘A Tokyo Christmas’ start at JPY 183,000.* *Inclusive of consumption tax, excludes 15% service charge & accommodation tax of JPY 200 per person, per night Additional festive touches on offer include Champagne or a beautiful Christmas bouquet in-room as well as a Gâteau aux Fraises resembling a snow-kissed flower and made with strawberries grown at a farm in Ibaraki prefecture especially chosen by the hotel’s pastry chef. At Esterre, the hotel’s one-Michelin-starred contemporary French restaurant in partnership with DUCASSE Paris, a six-course Christmas dinner menu will feature lobster bisque, steamed ezo awabi (abalone) with barigoule-style vegetables, and beef tenderloin with truffled winter vegetables. At Wadakura, Palace Hotel Tokyo’s signature Japanese restaurant, its exquisite winter kaiseki course menu will be all about crab – including Kobako hairy crab, crabmeat dumpling, sashimi with Matsuba crab, and grilled Taraba crab with crab cream croquette. At GO, the hotel’s popular teppanyaki grill, a Christmas menu featuring seared red bream, Zuwai crab and Matsusaka beef will be served up. Those who enjoy European-style Christmas breads and cakes but expect to miss out on them while spending the holidays in Japan will be delighted to discover that the hotel’s pastry shop, Sweets & Deli, presents an array of home-baked stollen, kugelhopf, berawecka and panettone each December – including some with a uniquely Japanese twist. In addition to classics – such as berawecka packed with nuts and liquor-soaked dried fruits, and panettone with orange peel and sultana raisins baked with home-made panettone yeast – there’s a bohnen stollen made with yuzu-flavored marzipan and kinako (soybean flour), a ruby stollen made with dried rambutan, cranberries and almonds, and a limited-edition praline stollen featuring fruits soaked in litchi liqueur. There’s also a kugelhopf de Noël baked with sweet chestnuts mixed into its moist matcha dough and finished with a raspberry chocolate glaze. Located in the city’s upscale Marunouchi district, Palace Hotel Tokyo is situated a stone’s throw away from Marunouchi Naka Dori, the tree-lined boulevard that’s breathtakingly illuminated each winter season along the 1.2 kilometers that stretches from the hotel past the landmark Tokyo Station to Yurakucho, at the edge of Ginza. For more information on Palace Hotel Tokyo, please visit: www.palacehoteltokyo.com.