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.
The exciting new addition to The Cocoon Collection is opening on 1 May 2023, welcoming natural elements of 5* contemporary design and dining, magnificent beaches, incredible coral reefs, and breathtaking scenery.
A tropical welcome awaits on Joy Island in the peaceful North Malé Atoll, where 5* indulgent pleasures and endless exciting activities await guests looking for a memorable vacation. The extensive choice of villas and suites spread across 9 categories adapt to the needs of every guest, such as suite views across the lagoon to an incredible Maldivian sunset and villas designed in understated elegance for couples and families enjoying a beckoning sunrise. Versatile accommodation brings options of ample living space, al fresco dining and private plunge pools complimenting typical island design of open-air bathrooms for that magical relationship with nature’s elements. Joy is the concept and experience at this brand new Maldivian island resort.
From family vacations to private spaces for honeymooners to the passionate diver in search of the best reef diving, Joy will live up to its name. Its soothing outdoor spaces bring a sense of relaxation and the pool enchants with the magnetic theme of restorative waters. Guests enjoy the market feel of the main restaurant with featured gourmet food from around the globe along with Italian and Spanish influences on canapés, cocktails and flavoursome cuisine. Experienced therapists bring serenity to soothing wellness treatments and couples massage with horizon vistas of the Indian Ocean.
To learn more about the resort, visit https://www.plateauinternational.com/joyisland
Radisson Hotel Group has announced its first experiential resort under its recently launched Radisson Individuals Retreats brand extension. Located in Palampur – Himachal Pradesh, Rakkh Resort, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats is set against the pristine backdrop of the Dhauladhar snow-capped ranges. A mélange of traditional ambiance and barefoot luxury, the ethos of the resort is built on sustainability and community engagement.
The resort is conveniently accessible by air from Dharamsala, Amritsar, or Chandigarh, by rail from Pathankot, and by road from Gaggal, and Manali. A 30-minute drive from Dharamshala, the resort’s unique location makes it a prime choice for travelers seeking an immersive and relaxing experience.
Perched on top of a hill, the five-acre resort houses beautiful rooms and suites that offer stunning views of the snow-peaked mountains with nature-inspired interiors offering guests a sense of peace and privacy. The rooms are spacious, airy and enjoy abundant natural daylight via bay windows and design features inspired by the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. This further ensures a reduction in energy consumption which is in tune with the resort’s sustainability values.
“With the opening of Rakkh Resort, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats, we are proud to usher in the era of experiential hospitality in India. The country’s hospitality ecosystem is swiftly evolving, and we stand ready to be at the helm of this change to offer travelers a high-quality product that is driven by distinct experiences. We strongly feel that the future of Radisson Individuals Retreats rests on beautiful properties with unique identities offering tailor-made stays that are authentic, sustainable, and memorable. At Radisson Hotel Group, we are fully committed to bringing diverse experiences to our domestic and international guests in all parts of the country, from major tier-one cities to up-and-coming destinations.” said Zubin Saxena, Managing Director and Vice President of Operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.
Curated experiences are at the core of offerings at Rakkh Resort, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats, and encourage a sense of community and bonding. With activities ranging from rejuvenating spa treatments, yoga, village walks, weaving, and traditional cooking, the resort is the ultimate choice for travelers seeking an authentic experience. Given its proximity to key nearby locations, guests can try paragliding at Bir-Billing, visit the hilltop ruins of Kangra Fort, or marvel at the rock-cut Hindu temples of Masroor. In addition to becoming one with nature during their stay, guests can drink from the natural spring within the premises which also provides mineral-rich nutritious water throughout the resort.
PANAJI, DECEMBER 14, 2022: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), Goa’s largest hospitality operator and leader in the tourism sector rings in the festive cheer with a greater purpose of giving back to the society this holiday season. Under Paathya, IHCL’s framework of sustainability and social impact measures, various initiatives have been implemented at the hotels to give guests a truly Goan holiday experience, which will benefit the local community and aid in preserving Goa’s rich heritage. In the true spirit of the festive season, guests and associates will engage in meaningful actions of touching someone’s life in an impactful manner.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Vincent Ramos, Senior Vice President – Goa for IHCL said, “Inclusion and business responsibility is embedded in our DNA. Taking ahead IHCL’s over a century old legacy, we strive for the local communities to share in the benefits of our presence by serving the needs of the underprivileged communities and leaving a positive impact towards reshaping our common future for a better tomorrow. In the merriment of the festive season, we are delighted to extend an opportunity to our guests and associates to make a difference.”Carecations, a series of curated travel itineraries by IHCL will help guests to volunteer and support local communities on their travels. From learning about Azulejos - once an almost forgotten art of hand-painted ceramic tiles to discovering another side of Goa in the hinterlands, to revisiting Goa’s legendary past with Fado - the iconic music genre introduced to Goa by the Portuguese, the holiday itineraries and activities enable direct interaction between guests and the beneficiaries, allowing both to discover a rich bank of knowledge and stories.
In line with the ethos and values of the Tata Group, IHCL, Goa has also collaborated with various social welfare groups and philanthropic bodies across the state to amplify their reach in the community. The hotels will be showcasing traditional Goan Christmas sweets prepared by local women as part of the festive gift hamper collection. Moreover, the annual cake mixing ceremonies held at the hotels witnessed the use of locally procured fruits, nuts, spices and spirits. Over 2000 employees of IHCL, Goa will be participating in various donation drives and other social works in service of the community throughout the festive season.
About The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and India’s Strongest Hospitality Brand as per Brand Finance 2021, SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels, Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels, and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel - The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 236 hotels including 60 under development globally across 4 continents, 11 countries and in over 100 locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is primarily listed on the BSE and NSE.
For more information, please contact: doris.dsouza@tajhotels.com
Marriott International is pleased to announce that Delta Hotels by Marriott® has opened its 100th property – Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park – bringing the brand’s seamless travel experience to the city’s gated enclave surrounded by landscaped gardens and near one of the world’s most important trade centers. Delta Hotels by Marriott – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands – now offers two properties in Dubai and three overall in the Middle East, providing travelers with more opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in the destination.
“From its beginnings in Canada to its current growing diverse portfolio around the world, this opening marks an exciting milestone in the Delta Hotels by Marriott journey,” said Manny Rappenecker, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Delta Hotels by Marriott. “A testament to our strategic growth, we’ve been able to strike a chord with our seasoned travelers by offering the seamless experience guests crave when on the road. Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park is another exceptional example of our brand’s distinction, demonstrating the bright future for Delta Hotels as we look forward to our next 100 properties.”
Once a portfolio of 37 properties in Canada, Delta Hotels by Marriott has grown into a global and diversified brand since its acquisition in 2015, redefining premium hospitality in key business and leisure destinations. Focusing on the details that really matter, the brand is rooted in simplicity and concentrates on perfecting the small details that make all the difference during travel. Thoughtful design, complimentary water, a fully stocked Delta Pantry for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members, as well as warm and efficient service, are just a few of the elements that bring the brand to life.
Situated in the district of Dubai Investment Park, close to many of the city’s key attractions and business hubs, the hotel brings a clean and purposeful design aesthetic reflecting the industrial nature of the area, featuring raw materials through exposed craftsmanship, eclectic furniture, and accessories.
Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park features 248 spacious guest rooms and suites featuring the brand’s modern approach to design inspired by true craftsmanship, an outdoor swimming pool, spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. In addition to these amenities, the property includes Masian Restaurant & Bar, a full-service restaurant serving international cuisine and shisha, along with a dedicated menu in the evening alongside specialty craft ales and cocktails; The Hub, a coffee shop lounge area serving Lavazza coffee beverages, premium baked goods, and snacks as well as prepared hot and cold items; and Pool Bar, with a selection of lite bites and refreshing beverages available for guests lounging outside by the swimming pool. Grab & Go and Delta Pantry – two of the brand’s signatures globally – are also featured. Offering small bites, fruit, juices, and other cold items, Grab & Go is the perfect option for the traveler on the move. Designed to feel like a residential kitchen, the 24/7 Delta Pantry provides premium beverages and snacks available to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador Elite Members, and paying guests.
Filled with natural light, the technologically advanced meeting and conference space expands across three flexible areas, including the soon-to-be-debuted The Hall – designed for larger business meetings and corporate events.
“We are honored to open the 100th Delta Hotels by Marriott property,” said Raja Zeidan, General Manager of Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park. “Our hotel answers a need for streamlined, purposeful hotels in Dubai, providing meaningful utilities for the modern traveler whether on business trips, weekend getaways, or anything in between. We look forward to welcoming global travelers and locals alike with our meticulous, efficient service for a flawless stay.”
The brand is slated to bring its Simple Made Perfect® mission to more travelers, with nearly 30 hotels anticipated to join the portfolio before year-end. This includes more than 20 properties in the UK, from Edinburgh to Liverpool, and a collection of Golf & Country Clubs, significantly expanding its footprint in the region. Looking ahead to 2023, Delta Hotels by Marriott plans to make exciting grand debuts in Naples, Italy; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and New York City.
Delta Hotels by Marriott participates in Marriott Bonvoy®, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International. Marriott Bonvoy Members will earn points for their stay at Delta Hotels properties, and at other hotels and resorts 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.
Ocean Inn Hotels LLP, a hotel development company based out of Jaipur, today announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for a new resort development at Banskho near Jaipur, Rajasthan, India under the upper midscale Wyndham Garden brand.
Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a popular tourist destination in India and forms a part of the west Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Agra. It is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Jantar Mantar and the Amer Fort. It also serves as a gateway to other tourist destinations in Rajasthan such as Jodhpur (348KM), Jaisalmer (571KM), Udaipur (421KM) and Mount Abu (520KM). Over the last decade, Jaipur has also come up as an important MICE destination in India, particularly for lavish Indian weddings. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts currently have three Ramada by Wyndham hotels and one Days Hotel by Wyndham operational in Jaipur and two are under development.
Banskho is a small village situated about 40 km from Jaipur on the Jaipur, Agra Highway. The proposed resort will enjoy great connectivity and access to Jaipur, Delhi, and Agra and is less than an hour’s drive from popular tourist attractions within Jaipur City like Hawa Mahal, Gated Old City, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal and more. It is also about an hour's driving distance from Sariska National Park, which is famous for its tiger safari.
The resort sits adjacent to a hillock and is spread over seven acres of land will have over 70 low-density cottages and tented villas, extensive banquet and event facilities including party lawns, a business centre, refreshing wellness areas, an outdoor swimming pool, and will offer outdoor activities for leisure travellers and families on vacation.
“Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the largest hotel franchise company in the world, and we are extremely happy to partner with them to bring the Wyndham Garden brand to the city of Jaipur. We are sure that the resort which is being developed with Thai architectural influence will be loved by all guests visiting the city and we look forward to welcoming them to our resort by 2024,” said Mr. Ajay Sharma & Mr. Abdul Kalam, M/s Ocean Inn Hotels LLP.
“Our upper midscale brand Wyndham Garden is growing from strength to strength, and we are delighted to announce another signing of Wyndham Garden in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. This resort will further strengthen our presence in the state of Rajasthan with nine operational hotels and two additional properties under development. We look forward to our partnership with M/s Ocean Inn Hotels LLP and welcoming guests to a truly international standard resort in the upper midscale segment to the city of Jaipur,” said Nikhil Sharma, Regional Director Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Once operational, the hotel will generate direct employment for almost a hundred people in the city of Jaipur.
Announced to coincide with the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes France (ILTM), the Dubai-based DAMAC Group, under its property development arm DAMAC Properties — one of the region’s foremost luxury real estate developers, has signed a contract with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to operate a new resort on a group of private islands in The Maldives.
The 34-hectare luxury resort, which is currently under development and is scheduled to open in 2025, will be DAMAC Group’s first foray in the tourist islands, known for its premium five-star offerings.
The Indian Ocean resort stretches across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male Atoll, accessed by an easy 20-minute speedboat ride from Male’s Velana international airport.
Surrounded by white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs for which The Maldives is renowned, the resort will provide a picturesque backdrop from where guests can enjoy a variety of activities including culinary experiences through various specialty restaurants around the island in addition to wellness retreats and water sports.
The Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru Reef’s accommodation comprises 130 stand-alone villas, made up of 64 overwater villas and 66 beachfront villas, including 10 branded residences. Ranging in size from 100 to 600 square metres (internal), the villas will be some of the largest in the market, each providing exclusivity and seclusion, with private pools and beautiful ocean views. The Group is working with a number of international consultants to ensure sustainability best practices are followed in all stages of the development.
Eight dining outlets, including three speciality restaurants and an exclusive dining venue along with a pool bar will ensure that guests have a varied choice of cuisines during their stay.
In addition, creative indoor and outdoor event spaces will provide unique locations for meetings, social gatherings and weddings.
Spacious wellness facilities will be located in the resort’s tropical gardens, and will include 12 treatment suites, vitality pools, hammam, sauna and steam rooms as well as a beauty salon. Mandarin Oriental’s expert team of wellness practitioners will offer tailored experiences and the Group’s signature treatments.
Additional leisure activities will include a water sports and a dive centre, a world class kids and teens club designed by international consultants, a swimming pool and numerous private coves and beaches to explore.
“The DAMAC brand is synonymous with luxury products and service, and we felt The Maldives was a perfect location for us. DAMAC has extended its global footprint outside of the Middle East, from the UK to Canada, and we are thrilled to have now reached The Maldives as well. We look forward to working with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to manage our new resort on this beautiful island,” Hussain Sajwani, Chairman and founder of the DAMAC Group said.
‘’We are continuously entering into partnerships with established world class brands that mirror DAMAC’s reputation and standards for luxury offerings and are confident that Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will excel in its mandate,” Sajwani added.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 36 hotels and seven residences in 24 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage and unique sense of place.
Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
“Mandarin Oriental is focused on developing its resort portfolio and has been looking to enter The Maldives for some time. This project represents the right opportunity for the Group,” said James Riley, Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
Singapore, 1 December 2022 – This festive season, in line with the launch of the new global LUX* campaign Life Extraordinary, The Lux Collective presents the very first NFT (Non-Fungible Token) brand activation – LUX* Christmas Collectible Raffle. With innovation in its DNA, the Group aims to elevate the unique LUX* brand positioning globally across channels, now including the web3 platform (also known as Web 3.0 - a new iteration of the World Wide Web). With the quest for bespoke travel experiences on the rise, LUX* invites consumers to gift their loved ones a LUX* Christmas Collectible. 1000 collectibles will be for Sale on 11 December 2022 – participants can also register now to access an exclusive Pre-Sale. Each of these collectibles includes a hotel stay and one of the four Extraordinary Experiences exclusively designed for this Christmas Raffle: a private whale shark dhoni boat trip with a marine biologist at LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives, an infinity pool rooftop breakfast and massage private experience at LUX* Grand Baie in Mauritius, a traditional pirogue boating experience at LUX* Grand Gaube in the northern lagoon of Mauritius or an encounter with wild dolphins at LUX* Le Morne in Mauritius. Attractively priced at USD1000, each collectible will stand the chance to win and enjoy up to two nights for Standard Collectibles or five nights for Silver and Golden Collectibles. Once the collectible is purchased, it will reveal itself on Christmas Day. Through a uniquely immersive metaverse-inspired experience, the owner of the raffle token will discover the hotel and destination. “LUX* is designed on the promise of a different kind of luxury – to excite and delight. At LUX*, time is luxury. Moving in tandem with digital-forward trends and lifestyle, this innovative campaign allows us to reach savvy luxury audience in the digital space. We have specially curated Extraordinary Experiences for this Christmas Collectible Raffle as we believe in gifting your loved one something meaningful this year - time in stunning locations to celebrate life,” said Ms Caroline Gaud-Perrier, Vice President Marketing of The Lux Collective.“Community is at the heart of Metalyde, a studio specialised in designing interactive experiences that connects brands to the consumers. We fell in love with LUX* and its passion to celebrate life. Sharing this common vision, we have embarked on a collaboration to create Extraordinary Experiences through NFTs to transport travel-inspired consumers into the beautiful world of LUX* resorts,” said Mr Antoine Lepetitgaland, Chief Executive Officer of Metalyde.It is all about gifting differently this year. Gift moments, not things. The LUX* Christmas Collectible Raffle with surprise gifts can be purchased via luxresorts-ntf.com.Driving the digital transformation journey forward, The Lux Collective looks ahead with a customer-centric digital-first approach. Traversing offline and online, its flagship luxury brand LUX* will continue to transform the everyday into the extraordinary through beautifully designed spaces and crafted immersive experiences. With this first NFT kick-off, more exciting plans on web3 will be unveiled in 2023.
The hotel is nestled within the Golden Triangle of Jakarta, which extends from Central to South Jakarta and is one of the fastest-evolving central business districts in the Asia Pacific region. It is also ideally located within an exclusive enclave comprised of foreign embassies, government and commercial spaces well as upscale retail, and is an easy 45-minute drive from Soekarno Hatta International Airport.
The St. Regis Jakarta features 282 exquisitely appointed guest rooms, including 28 spacious suites, each featuring a private balcony. Meticulously created by the renowned G.A. Design team, the guest rooms reflect contemporary luxury and feature thoughtful touches throughout, such as custom-made cushions accented with embedded batik motifs by Indonesian designer, Iwan Tirta. Guests will also enjoy the St. Regis Butler Service, a personalized signature offering that has been a hallmark of the brand, ensuring that each guest’s individual preferences are anticipated at every turn.
Doors are re-opened again, at the Gran Hotel Bristol managed by Kempinski, after a longer hibernation period caused by the pandemic. Having opened first time in February 2020, the all-new Gran Hotel Bristol had to close after a very short 4 weeks opening period only, due to the health-related shutdown of Havana.
Located in the heart of Havana, just steps away from the National Capitol Building (El Capitolio) and within walkable distance of the hotspots and hidden gems of the Cuban capital, the newest addition of Kempinski Hotels welcomes first guests. Nestled between Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) and Centro Habana, Gran Hotel Bristol is the ideal urban escape for a modern traveller. Inspired by the legendary Art Deco style of the 1930s, 162 comfortable guestrooms' interiors are stylishly appointed with bright accents, clean lines and contemporary furnishings. Each room features a flat-screen TV, an individual control panel and complimentary WiFi.
Four unique dining experiences feature a rich kaleidoscope of cuisines and entertainment. Crowning Gran Hotel Bristol are two unique restaurants, El Capitolio and El Diamante. For a casual fare with impressive National Capitol Building views, El Capitolio restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in a stylish and bright dining room as well as al fresco on the rooftop terrace, whilst El Diamante restaurant and bar boasts panoramic views of Old Havana, serving Latin and Cuban tapas and light snacks throughout the day. As the night falls, a live DJ spins the latest tunes and sets the mood for the cocktail hour over the bright lights of the city. Pasos Perdidos lobby bar is an ideal spot to start or finish a day. Open throughout the day, the lobby bar serves a choice of daily continental or traditional Cuban breakfast with a freshly brewed cup of Cuban latte, also known as café con leche. Come nightfall, the trendy bar invites guests to indulge in a nightcap. Global cuisine awaits at La Muralla Club, which will open its door in late November. The menu will feature a wide selection of traditional and creative burgers, and chicken wings complemented by an extensive variety of beers and crafted cocktails. The night's entertainment will be headlined by a live jazz band.
A destination of its own, the rooftop pool is destined to be one of the most iconic spots in Havana. Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim with panoramic views over the city, or admire the reflection of the golden dome of El Capitolio while lounging poolside and sipping one of the handcrafted cocktails. For those who like to stay in shape whilst travelling, the hotel gym is fully equipped with the latest fitness equipment. Located on the mezzanine floor, the gym provides a modern space for an easy and convenient workout. Adjacent to the gym is a salon that offers a variety of professional hair and nail services, with dedicated stations for ladies and gents, and skilled staff to provide a seamless glam-up routine.
Strategically located on the mezzanine floor, the meeting room is designed for intimate meetings and creative presentations. The flexible space can accommodate up to 12 people and features a large LCD screen.
Steps away from the National Capitol Building (El Capitolio) and within walkable distance of the hotspots and hidden gems of La Habana, Gran Hotel Bristol has it all. 162 comfortable rooms and suites are stylishly appointed with bright accents, clean lines, contemporary furnishings and modern conveniences. Four unique dining experiences feature a rich kaleidoscope of cuisines and entertainment - from a wide breakfast spread in El Capitolio, relaxing moments in Pasos Perdidos lobby bar to delicious tapas in El Diamante and global cuisine accompanied with the notes of live music in La Muralla Club - while a rooftop pool boasts direct views of El Capitolio. Inspired by the Art Deco style of the 1930s, Gran Hotel Bristol is the ideal urban escape for the modern traveller.
Revealing The Lux Collective’s ambitious expansion plans with new openings in the Middle East, South-East Asia and Europe.
Singapore, 22 November 2022 – Looking to 2023 and beyond, The Lux Collective has revealed four innovative projects for its luxury flagship brand LUX*. Travellers seeking rich cultural heritage and scenic settings can explore the desert of Sharjah with a duo of openings, LUX* Al Jabal and LUX* Al Bridi. Those seeking a new-kind of island life can uncover the jungle-draped coastlines of LUXNAM* Phu Quoc in Vietnam while, for those looking to learn about the art de vivre, LUX* Marseillan in southern France will offer guests a beachfront vineyard getaway with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.“With our award-winning resorts, LUX* is designed on the promise of a different kind of luxury, one that helps our guests celebrate life throughout their stay. We re-define the modern style of luxury and are excited to expand our global footprints into new awe-inspiring destinations set in secluded nature. As a hospitality industry leader, we will continue to create Extraordinary Experiences for our guests through elevated shining service, beautifully designed spaces, and aspiring escapes,” said Mr Paul Jones, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective. ⦁ Middle East – Uncover the cultural emirate with LUX* Al Jabal and LUX* Al Bridi, SharjahMajestic mosques, bustling souks and art galleries have earned centuries-old Sharjah a UNESCO badge as ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’. Art and design purists can revel in rich traditions, a vibrant creative scene and historical city centre while nature lovers can hike the Al Rabi path and scale mountain peaks.New for early 2024, LUX* Al Jabal is a 45-key hillside retreat which will sit atop the beaches of Khorfakkan and Luluya, overseeing the expansive Gulf of Oman with jagged mountains. Set within a crescent-shaped bay and positioned away from the winds, Khorfakkan draws scuba-divers and beach lovers to its sandy shores and corals. Located on 18.7 hectares of land, the boutique-style beach resort will integrate into its surroundings by taking architectural inspiration from the natural landscape and incorporating local designs. Its curated menus celebrate high-quality local ingredients and include the signature LUX*’s Keen On Green wholesome vegan cuisine. It will feature one-bedroom havens for solo guests and couples, to three-bedroom suites for a tribe of travellers, as well as a royal suite complete with a private pool and butler service. Guests will have exclusive private beach access, world-class dining options, restorative LUX* ME Spa and wellness treatments, children’s activities and unique experiences to connect with the local culture and community. Completing the duo of openings is LUX* Al Bridi which will overlook 1,690 hectares of conservation in the Sharjah safari project in the city of Al Dhaid, the largest safari in the world outside Africa. Home to over 50,000 animals, including the native mountain gazelles, the park has a natural lake and will offer a variety of dining outlets as well as a safari camp led by knowledgeable guides. LUX* Al Bridi will feature 35 luxurious tented safari-style private retreats, a LUX* ME Spa and a discovery centre to partake in conservation-focused initiatives in collaboration with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority. Children can learn about farm animals with interactive, educational activities at nearby Al Dhaid Farm, the city’s first petting zoo. Time-honoured culinary techniques and the freshest ingredients will elevate destination dining in the wild, while adventures will come in the form of adrenaline-fuelled dune surfing and four-wheel drive excursions to romantic stargazing under the Arabian skies.⦁ Southeast Asia – A one-of-a-kind overwater retreat with LUXNAM* Phu Quoc in Vietnam Opening in late 2024 and a first for this part of Asia, LUXNAM* Phu Quoc will be an eye-catching overwater resort on the jungle-draped island of Phu Quoc off the coast of Vietnam. The 126-villa only resort will consist of two areas connected by a sleek 2-kilometre long jetty over the calm lagoon. A modernist Maldivian-style resort, LUXNAM* Phu Quoc will perch above the waters and coral reefs of Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve and take design inspiration from reimagined Vietnamese traditions with a minimalist twist. Besides building in harmony with nature and biodiversity, the Group’s sustainability DNA is thoughtfully incorporated throughout the dragon-shaped resort. Offering guests a choice of 109 overwater villas (most with private pools), 13 beach pool villas, two penthouses and two beachfront pool mansions, it will also feature restaurants with innovative world-class cuisine, spa, fitness centre, four swimming pools and a children's playground. Ideal for those seeking renewal, slow living, a holistic approach to wellbeing and creative dining options, LUXNAM* Phu Quoc aims to define a new take on Vietnamese luxury for global travellers and in-the-know locals alike.⦁ Europe – Art de vivre at LUX* Marseillan, FranceIn 2024, The Lux Collective will also turn its head to Europe with a much-anticipated opening of LUX* Marseillan, France. Set between the Pyrenees and Provence, bordering the saltwater lake of Thau and the Mediterranean Sea is the beachfront vineyard where the resort will be built. Inspired by the traditional architecture of quaint South of France storied farmhouses, it is interpreted with a contemporary vibe. Incarnating the French art de vivre, LUX* Marseillan will combine sea, sun, spa and wine, with more details to be revealed in due course.Growing the global presence, The Lux Collective currently manages a portfolio of 16 operating resorts and hotels in China, Maldives, Mauritius and Ile de la Reunion. There are 11 more hotels in its progressive development pipeline in Europe, Asia and Middle East.
Within a year since opening doors in September 2021, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa’s exemplary work in their efforts to promote and practice eco-conscious holidays has earned the resort the prestigious BCA Green Mark GOLDPlus Award, an internationally recognised green building certification scheme tailored for the tropical climate.
Encouraging the industry and professionals to collaborate and develop green building solutions, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is raising the sustainability standards, in line with Marriott International’s ‘Serve 360’ sustainability policy – with a range of pioneering programmes that promote a culture of best practice throughout resort operations. The 141 villa resort debuted on the natural island of Thilamaafushi, an eco-conscious hideaway teeming with marine life, with a purpose to make a difference through its leading edge sustainability programmes, focusing on environmental protection, community engagement and marine conservation.
Fringed by a vast lagoon, the coral reef that forms and surrounds the resort islands is one of the most complex ecosystems on earth. A coral restoration programme has been put in place since construction of the resort, and implementation of educational programmes that target different age groups raise’s awareness of the importance of conservation among guests. Regeneration work of hard corals has already increased the number of marine life around the resort, particularly reef fish such as surgeonfish, damselfish, angelfish and more.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has also taken a significant step towards self-sufficiency, ‘The Greenhouse’ is a semi-automated hydroponic system that produces fresh leafy vegetables for resort guests and consumption on neighbouring islands. The 500 m² greenhouse uses a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including an automated irrigation system that captures and recycles rainwater.
From its efficient recycling methods, to its desalination plant that converts seawater into fresh drinking water through reverse osmosis, to harnessing the power of the sun with its 480-kilowatt solar panel system, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa creates enriching experiences for the guests to explore and build deeper connections with the environment. Receiving the award by BCA as a sustainability leader motivates the resort to continuously prioritise on effective sustainable initiatives that is designed to create a positive impact in its surroundings and local community.
Launched in 2008, the BCA Green Mark Champion Awards recognises developers who demonstrate strong commitment towards corporate social responsibility and who have achieved a substantial number of Green Mark buildings at Gold level or higher. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) champions the development and transformation of the built environment sector, in order to improve the living environment of the world.
