Industry News

Diving headfirst into the new season Azure Beach, the award-winning beach club at the Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, has announced the launch of its new swimming pool for adults and a series of exciting events. The adults-only pool is surrounded by a 1,500 square meter deck space and prime sunbathing area boasting an impressive 56 sets of sunbeds, allowing guests to bask in pool-side splendor like never before. These new additions to Azure Beach’s already impressive picture-perfect setting, exquisite cocktails, cool DJ beats and sophisticated yet lively party mood, guarantee that it is the place to be for grown-up fun in the sun. Over the years, the beachfront destination has brought incredible events, live entertainment and more to JBR, securing the award-winning beach club’s status as the coolest poolside spot in the city. Fittingly, Azure Beach will celebrate its new adults-only pool with a host of sensational events, all of which will unfold against a backdrop of fabulous views. “Since we launched five years ago, Azure Beach has earned a well-deserved reputation for delivering amazing experiences and leading the curve with its on-trend offerings. With the launch of the new adults-only pool, we’re thrilled to bring guests an extravaganza of events,” said James Oliver Burton, Managing Director – Daylife Division for Sunset Hospitality.   Ladies’ Day Extravaganza Taking the female-focused day to a new level with AED200 only for a sunbed, towel, and five complimentary drinks, visitors can bask in pool-side pampering thanks to a hair-braiding station and glitter bar. When: Tuesday, 22nd November Time: Ladies' Day: 10 am – 8 pm Time: Braiding & glitter bar: 12 pm – 4 pm   Art Galore Professional artists and calligraphers will be on hand to customize beach bags and sun hats with tropical graphics, illustrations, and custom monograms. When: Tuesday, 6th December Time: 12 pm – 4 pm   Live entertainment Drumming up the excitement, the ongoing entertainment will include spirited dancers, contemporary violinists, smooth saxophonists, and a passionate trumpeter. When: Every day of the week excluding Mondays Time: 2 pm – 5 pm   Aqua Fitness Classes In partnership with RAISE Fitness & Wellness – an upscale fitness and wellness facility, guests can energize their mind and body with one-hour long Aqua Fitness classes at the all-new adults-only pool. The classes also offer mini breakfast wraps, choice of tropical coconut chia bowl or freshly made yoghurt with granola and berries, fresh juices, coffee or tea, water and fresh fruits.  When: Every Monday Time: 8:30 am – 10 am   Entry fees with access to the new adults-only pool, sunbed and towel: Mondays – Thursdays: AED300 with AED100 redeemable on food and drinks Fridays – Sundays: AED400 with AED200 redeemable on food and drinks   And that’s not all – with every day pass, guests can avail AED100 off on any spa treatment at Naturelife Spa, located at the Rixos Premium JBR and, buy one get one signature cocktail during Cocktail Happy Hour from 7 pm – 9 pm. *Sunbeds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. * Children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to swim in the new pool   Regular opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm   About Sunset Hospitality Founded in 2011, Sunset Hospitality Group is a hospitality investment and management company with a proven success record in delivering high-quality concepts, with unique style and service-focused culture. With a commitment to innovation and quality, the group has developed new pioneering concepts and partnered with acclaimed multinational brands to create new and unique experiences around the world. In Dubai, these concepts include Black Tap, Luigia, Sweet Chick, Joe’s Backyard, Ammos, L’Occitane Café, Azure Beach, DRIFT Beach Dubai, STAGE, MOOD and SUSHISAMBA. For information visit: https://www.sunsethospitality.com/

Multi-billion resort Wynn Marjan by Wynn Resorts confirmed the anticipated opening of a casino complex, said to be bigger than its sister property in Las Vegas. Ras Al Khaima authorities are now fast forwarding implementation if adjusted laws for the opening to face no problems with setting up US-style gaming. Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts commented “We certainly don’t want to underbuild the casino. The casino component, where at least for some period of time, we will be operating on our own, which makes it quite exciting is shaping up to be somewhat larger than Wynn Las Vegas, but with numerous pockets of energy and compression.” According to Billings, the Wynn Marjan’s opening is planned for 2026 on the Dream Island of RAK and will boast a casino around 18,500 sq m in size. This will make the facility would one of the ten biggest in the world and almost double the size of the one in Wynn’s Vegas property.

Minor Hotels' Avani brand will make its Maldives debut with the opening of Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort in early Q2 2023. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort will be Minor's sixth property in the country, increasing the hotel owner, operator and investors current presence in this paradisiacal setting. The first hotel opening in this highly coveted area of the Maldives for more than three years, the arrival of Avani+ Fares in the ubiquitous Baa Atoll will shake up the hospitality landscape. A stunning new private island resort, Avani+ Fares will offer all the attention to detail, experiences and unparalleled service that one would expect of a premium Maldivian escape without the ostentation. A new-build property on a natural tropical island showcasing the very best that Avani has to offer, Avani+ Fares will be home to a variety of accommodation options. From beach pool villas and four-bedroom beach pavilions to picture perfect three-bedroom over water villas sitting across the island's large turquoise bay, the accommodation will offer a stylish modern sanctuary, maximising breezy spaces and ergonomic lighting, as well as tech focused amenities to suit the needs of the most discerning guest. Avani+ Fares will appeal to couples, families and friends with an array of dining, fitness, water sport recreation and pampering spa treatments. Resting on a naturally protected island on the western edge of Baa Atoll, the resort will provide easy access to the world renowned Hanifaru Bay, home to what is regarded as the Indian Ocean's best biodiversity and underwater ecosystem and one of the best places to see manta rays. With twelve individual dive sites off the beach at Fares, divers are spoilt for choice. In addition, guests will have access to the Avani house reef, a 220-metre reef teeming with marine life including turtles and dolphins and the nearby Fares reef which is 600 metres off the shore. One of the stunning islands that make up the Maldivian archipelago, Fares boasts a 2.6-kilometre lagoon in front of the island, offering privacy and serenity as well as playing host to an abundance of reefs and marine life and of course serving as the backdrop for incredible sunsets. Due to the perfect positioning at the edge of the atoll, the resort enjoys zero light pollution for unforgettable stargazing. A picturesque paradise of stunning turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Avani+ Fares Maldives is only a 35-minute journey by seaplane from Velana International Airport. Throughout their stay, guests will be treated to a wide selection of Maldivian and international-inspired cuisines at each of the seven restaurants, in addition to private beach and in-villa dining. Each aims to expand guests' taste horizons with a variety of choices to push the boundaries of island dining whilst minimising carbon footprint with seasonal ingredients. Organic produce will be sourced from the resort's mini farm and catch of the day delivered daily by local fishermen. Young guests will have the run of the first kids-only restaurant in the Maldives serving nutritious, universally loved food. AvaniFit's new gym concept keeps guests in tip top condition offering fitness programmes designed in partnership with a high-performance coach. Those seeking to bliss out and indulge in some pampering can hide away from the world in style at AvaniSpa, which will offer various rejuvenating treatments alongside thoughtful wellness options. AvaniKids provides everything to keep children and teens happy and entertained so adult guests can enjoy some 'me' time. Between swimming, snorkelling and diving at the protected house reef and discovering the island's native flora, guests can fully enjoy a slice of paradise steeped in biodiversity and natural beauty.

Villa Hotels & Resorts adventurous and eco-luxury resort, Sun Island Resort & Spa has won the award for the Maldives Leading Green Resort at the World Travel Awards 2022. The win is a testament to Sun Island Resort’s consistent efforts toward environmental sustainability and ocean conservation, which are at the core of the company’s values and key practices. “We would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone that has supported Sun Island throughout the years. Our success is a result of our passionate and dedicated Sun Island and Villa Hotels & Resorts team who are passionate and dedicated about environmental conservation and contributing towards our sustainable way of life,” Abdulla Fathhey, the General Manager at Sun Island Resort & Spa, said. Sun Island Resort & Spa has also recently achieved the prestigious Green Key Award, following a thorough sustainability policy and concrete plan with objectives and annual actions formulated for continuous improvements in environmental management. The resort has since established significant progress in environmental protection and preservation of the natural ecology of the island. With such a thriving abundance of nature, yet a fragile environment, Sun Island Resort & Spa has implemented eco-friendly techniques to reduce energy consumption, save water and recycle. In addition, regular island and lagoon clean-ups are held on the island and nearby sandbank with all recycling donated to Parley for the Oceans. Sun Island Resort & Spa, located in South Ari Atoll within close proximity to the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), is celebrated for its spectacular natural beauty, signature Indian Ocean experiences and innovative sustainability efforts. Boasting a lush tropical environment with extensive botanical gardens which produce more than 20,000 coconuts per month as well as a wide variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs which are picked and served in the restaurants across the resort. In addition to the fertile environment, the island is also home to various migratory birds which take shelter within the dense tropical vegetation on the island. Guests at Sun Island Resort & Spa are invited to get involved and support the resort’s sustainable, recycling and energy-saving initiatives in place. Moreover, the resort regularly holds island, lagoon and sandbank clean-ups led by the diveOceanus dive centre to help preserve the pristine nature. The opportunity to contribute presents guests with a deeper connection to the rich Maldivian nature and encourages environmentally conscious travellers who are part of a greener future.

The Maldives, 12 November 2022 – In celebration of tropical wanderlust, conscious contemporary lifestyle brand DIARRABLU partners with LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives to present a Resort ‘23 collection named “FILUN” (Maldivian for “escape”) inspired by the island’s vibrant colours and warm culture. As one of the biggest Maldivian islands, the award-winning resort of The Lux Collective is an ideal place for creativity with its cheerful vibes, secluded picturesque coves, and crystal-blue ocean waters. The DIARRABLU Resort ‘23 Collection is a reflection of the tropical LUX* South Ari Atoll, where blue lagoons meet four kilometers of pristine sands. The brand’s creative director Diarra Bousso and her global team travelled to the island from San Francisco, Dakar, Cape Town, Abidjan and London to create a special campaign telling the magical story behind the partnership. “The collaboration between LUX* South Ari Atoll and DIARRABLU is not merely a fashion activation but a meaningful partnership. Travel and fashion go hand-in-hand, and anyone packing for a holiday to a faraway tropical destination will think twice about what to pack. The capsule collection's locally inspired prints and sustainable materials aligned with LUX*’s sustainability values. The handcrafted womenswear and swimsuit are versatile and eye-catching - to celebrate life and bring a little extraordinary to your holiday.” said Ms. Caroline Gaud-Perrier, Vice President – Marketing of The Lux Collective. The Collection The collection’s colour palette features inspiration from turquoise waters, pink flowers and white sands. The prints, Ari Blu, Atoll Rose, Atoll Blu, Playa Aqua, Isla Noir and Tukki Noir, are designed in the brand’s distinct spirit of fusing geometry and art. The solid-coloured pieces, in aqua, coral, white and black, use sustainable materials of lyocell and tencel, made from regenerated cellulose of wood pulp. The collection features balanced and size-inclusive pieces for head-turning looks while on vacation. The clothing and jewellery are handcrafted by local artisan communities in Diarra’s native country Senegal – in line with the brand’s innovative business model with a mission to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce waste. The Brand: DIARRABLU DIARRABLU is a conscious contemporary lifestyle brand founded by multidisciplinary artist and mathematician Diarra Bousso and known for its versatile, practical and convertible pieces in bold prints designed for the travel-spirited muse. With notable features in Vogue, Forbes and CNN among others, the brand’s design approach is a conscious merger of tradition and technology. DIARRABLU gained a strong fanbase with collections synonymous with effortless sophistication and comfort. and an ethos rooted in sustainability, wanderlust, and traditions. The Artist: Diarra Bousso Diarra Bousso, the self-dubbed creative mathematician is an artist at heart. A trained ballerina and former Wall Street trader spends her time exploring mathematics to create emotional artistic and educational experiences. Born and raised in Senegal and Norway, and currently living in California, Diarra is fascinated with oxymorons. Her work is rooted in old African craftsmanship while looking to the industry’s conscious future. The brand celebrates the beauty in contradictions by merging tradition and technology through her collection of clothing, accessories and art prints. This brand collaboration between LUX* South Ari Atoll and DIARRABLU is born out of the strong shared values and passion for sustainability. Recognised for its award-winning eco-approach to conscious travel, the resort constantly strives for a greener future. From 12 November 2022, the new DIARRABLU Resort ’23 Collection can be purchased online via www.diarrablu.com, with worldwide delivery.  

David Gallienne, the head chef and owner of Le Jardin des Plumes, a one-Michelin-star restaurant in France’s Normandy region, will host two exclusive dinners at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi on Nov. 17-18. In the first of these special meals, diners will experience a premium set menu spotlighting French gastronomy paired with Bollinger champagne on Nov. 17. This intimate Michelin-caliber meal will be available for 20 persons and served in the lovely glasshouse venue of L’Orangerie. The next night, on Nov. 18, Chef Gallienne will serve an exclusive “Le Jardin des Plumes Michelin dinner” in the newly refurbished Le Beaulieu at Metropole Hanoi. The winner of the popular reality TV show Top Chef France in 2020, Gallienne was born and raised in Le Mans, and has more than 15 years’ experience working in the kitchens of several Michelin-starred restaurants in Normandy, from Alençon to Rouen and Bagnols-de-L’orne. In early 2020, he became the owner of the hotel and gourmet restaurant Le Jardin des Plumes, where he has served many prestigious guests including French President Emmanuel Macron and a former Japanese prime minister. In love with his native region, Gallienne delights diners’ taste buds by proposing a cuisine inspired by the Normandy region, which he revisits with surprising flavors while also raising awareness about the wonders of nature, the natural rhythm of the seasons, and the work of local producers and artisan suppliers. Le Beaulieu, the award-winning modern French fine dining restaurant at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, and its refined al fresco extension La Terrasse recently celebrated their reopening following an extensive seven-month refurbishment. With an elegant and sophisticated new design, alongside renowned French gastronomy and a wide selection of wines, the signature restaurant at Metropole Hanoi ties together the hotel’s 120-year-old storied past with a contemporary new look that manages to meld the opulent, the classical and the modern in a single scheme that’s long on white, gold and heathery blue-grays.

Neyvaa 2 has officially received Guinness World Record for the most number of people performing static apnea from all over the Maldives with multiple locations across the archipelago at the given time. At the event held on 1st October 2022 at CROSSROADS Maldives, a total of 459 individuals participated in the event from 12 different resorts and several corporate companies. However, only 455 individuals were able to hold their breath underwater for one minute and thirty seconds as per the guidelines set for the record.  The event further focused on the climate change awareness. Using the hashtag #1breath4theoceans the organizers aimed to raise awareness on the global climate crisis affecting our island destination. Neyvaa 2 event organized by Freedive Maldives was held to commemorate Golden Jubilee – 50 years of tourism in the Maldives, this event promoted the passion for free driving and highlighted the Maldives on the map for free divers worldwide. The certificate was presented by the Representative at Guinness World Record Swapnil Dangarikar and was received by the Founder of Freedive Maldives Fahud Faiz at the gala dinner held to celebrate the free diving record.

The second annual International Wellness Tourism Conference has been postponed to 29-30 November 2022, following Hurricane Fiona.“Taking place in the Dominican Republic, the two-day event is built around the theme of supporting the continuing growth of wellness tourism,” said Anne Dimon, Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) president and CEO. The conference will be totally devoted to wellness tourism, wellness travel and other topics of interest to DMOs, suppliers, travel advisors, wellness retreat leaders, wellness practitioners, media and others interested in the growing wellness sector of the tourism industry. This intimate conference will be a great opportunity for participants to learn, to share their knowledge and to network with others in the industry. The event will be hosted at luxury hotel Eden Roc Cap Cana. Both WTA members and non-members are welcome to attend. Delegates can book accommodation with preferential rates at either Eden Roc Cap Cana or the nearby hotel Melia Punta Cana.   Speakers and topics Dimon will present the results of the 2022 Wellness Travel Consumer Survey, plus head of partnerships at WeTravel Shayne Zand will talk about what WeTravel consumer booking patterns are indicating for the future. Paradigm shift in medicine: the wellness resort/retreat takes on a more important role in “preventive medicine,” plus “ageing as a disease”. Dr Ron Kapp, Santa Barbara-based physician, author and anti-ageing research clinician, sees functional medicine as a modality to prevent the chronic diseases of ageing and prolong life. At the conference, he’ll present an introduction to the foundation for unravelling this new arena of medicine and will also speak about how wellness tourism stakeholders can become part of the healthcare system. Cannabis is gaining traction under the umbrella of health and wellness. Dr Adam Abodeely MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS and CEO and co-founder of Coral Cove Wellness Resort, educates on plant-based therapies and integrative therapies to enhance wellness, not simply treat illness. He believes that a truly holistic wellness experience is one where ancient wisdom and plant-based therapies live in perfect harmony with modern science and medicine. How DMOs are enhancing their wellness offerings. As the future of travel unfolds with wellness top-of-mind for consumers, more geographic destinations around the world are reviewing what they offer under the banner of wellness, looking to launch wellness initiatives and position themselves as wellness destinations. Tameka Warton, director of tourism, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (Canada Region) will unveil what her DMO is doing, and Olia Kinoti, director of African Oasis Safaris, will speak about East Africa. Travel advisors and suppliers - working better together. Led by Barbara Nichuals, president and CEO of Bayside Travel Group of Companies, this roundtable discussion will find travel advisors sharing their clients' needs and wants with suppliers, along with their concerns and requirements for successful partnerships. Suppliers, in return, will be able to respond with their own requirements, plus help advisers understand more about their wellness programs and other offerings. Building a marketing strategy to reach wellness-minded consumers. Bibi Mukherjee, founder and principal of Curve Trends Marketing and co-founder of Sojourn Bicycling Vacations, will discuss developing a scalable, data-driven marketing strategy that, regardless of the budget, can help generate a comprehensive marketing plan. Spiritual modalities for mental health. Hilary Thurston, a therapeutic counsellor with the City of Toronto and registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers, will present on the topic of psycho-spiritual frameworks and strategies to help guests and clients shift their mindset, find personal clarity and move through life transitions with confidence.

Six Senses Laamu has won the Marine & Coastal category of the 2022 Skål Sustainable Tourism Awards for the third time since 2018. The winners were announced on October 14 during the Opening Ceremony of the 81st Skål World Congress held in Kvarner, Croatia. Founded in 1934, Skål International is one of the world’s largest international networks of tourism professionals and an Affiliated Member of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), whose mission is to promote reliable, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. Following the United Nations’ declaration in 2002 to highlight best practices globally, the Sustainable Tourism Awards were created to enhance visibility and recognise businesses for their efforts and initiatives within the sector globally. This year, the independent sustainability experts judged 50 entries from 23 countries. Marteyne van Well, Regional General Manager, Maldives, says: “Being recognised for the third time by Skål International since 2018 is a big honour and achievement for our teams at Six Senses Laamu and the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI). It is rewarding to know that, although a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, our research, community outreach, and efforts have given us a voice and influential space in the global community.” Through innovation and continuous research, Six Senses Laamu has implemented projects on energy and water conservation, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint reduction, waste management, and recycling or repurposing materials. MUI incorporates resident resort marine biologists, in addition to partner NGOs, including the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and the Olive Ridley Project. MUI’s mission is to lead the tourism industry in the Maldives through meaningful marine conservation efforts based on research, education, and community outreach. Since winning its first Skål award in 2018, Six Senses Laamu and MUI have conducted 47,882 educational sessions with guests and certified 205 children through their Junior Marine Biology Programme.  Six Senses Laamu is the only five-star resort in the Laamu Atoll. Deep in the Indian Ocean, it is surrounded by a beautiful coral house reef. Most of the villas and facilities are built overwater; however, beach villas and on-land dining are also available. All villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view of the ocean and Maldivian nature. Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options and cuisine from around the world, an ice-cream parlour, an over-water wine cellar and a signature Chill bar. Many activities and excursions are available on land, in water and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa.

Baros Maldives has won the “Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort 2022” award from the World Travel Awards for the tenth consecutive year. Recognised for the exceptional romance delivered on the island, Baros constantly strives to live up to the promise of extraordinary service, private and elegantly luxurious villas, exquisite culinary offerings, and memorable romantic experiences. For nearly 50 years, iconic Baros has been curating outstanding and memorable romantic moments for guests through personalised yet discreet service and unique experiences. It is a destination offering an array of choices for every kind of couple, irrespective of their preferences, be it a romantic cruise or an intimate dinner over the lagoon for two. Every space in Baros is designed to exude warmth and guarantees total privacy, enabling truly meaningful connections. From honeymoons to anniversaries and all the special milestones in between, Baros delivers moments of magic enveloped in cocooning intimacy. Guests can treat themselves to absolute bliss with the multitude of romantic adventures provided at the iconic island resort. Adding to the tantalising adventures, Baros is introducing even more activities, including a highly romantic cruise on Nooma, its traditional Maldivian Dhoni, as well as a movie night on the iconic Piano Deck. In addition to enjoying the magnificent culinary compositions atop the blue lagoon, guests can now create unique moments as they savour the sunset over the waters. Couples looking for a romantic escape can book the special Romantic Moments package designed to create unforgettable memories. Baros invites couples to a romantic escapade this festive season with “A Magical Baros Tale”. This timeless enchanted journey invites guests to bountiful adventures with a special festive itinerary. “It is an honour and privilege to deliver magical moments to our beloved guests and to be recognised as the most romantic destination in the Indian Ocean for the tenth consecutive year. We are determined to deliver enchanting romance and intimacy on Baros and continuously seek to create the most extraordinary romantic moments. With new offers and experiences, we are looking to take the romance at Baros to a new height and deliver our guests the ultimate romantic escape,” comments Ibrahim Shijah, General Manager of Baros.

The Maldives, 27 October 2022 – October is a successful month for LUX* South Ari Atoll, the renowned Maldives destination of The Lux Collective. Once again, the property confirmed its status as one of the leading resorts in the tropical country with a series of notable wins. The spacious resort with a playful and modern soul is made for travellers looking for a distinctive experience and exquisite dining options with an ocean view. The 6th edition of South Asian Travel Awards not only named LUX* South Ari Atoll the “Leading Luxury Resort” in the Maldives but also recognised its continuous strive to conscious hospitality with the “Leading Eco-Friendly Resort” award. The Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2022 named LUX* South Ari Atoll among “The Best Resorts In The World” for Indian Ocean. Offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for every guest, the resort was ranked once again in the coveted list. The signature LUX* Shining Service also resulted in receiving the “Travellers’ Choice 2022” award by TripAdvisor. With the consistent rating of 5 out of 5, LUX* South Ari Atoll was recognised as one of the top 10% of destinations listed on the international platform. The talented culinary team of LUX* South Ari Atoll is the reason why the resort is one of the best tropical destinations for foodies. It won nine awards from this year’s Hotel Asia Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge. Competing in a variety of categories, from hot cooking to artistic showpieces, the team ofresort’s chefs received one Gold, four Silver, and five Bronze medals. With eight restaurants offering different cuisines to its guests, LUX* South Ari Atoll turns every holiday into a culinary journey with crafted menus. The Group’s signature Keen On Green concept, highlights delectable vegetarian and vegan specialties at every outlet.

The Boutique Hotelier Awards 2022 took place on 4 October, the evening of the first night of The Independent Hotel Show, at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel in London. There were 15 award categories in total on the night, including four new categories for this year: Wellbeing Champion; Accessibility Innovator; Best Boutique Hotel Restaurant; Best Boutique Hotel Bar. The Best Spa/Amenities Product of Boutique Hotelier Awards recognises suppliers that are helping to supercharge bookings and improve the spa experience for both hotel staff and guests. Core by Premier Software provides hotel spas and health clubs with the support they need to manage a successful business. Core’s dashboard offers a complete business overview at the touch of the button, helping to maximise profitability, manage day-to-day operations, and highlight areas of growth. As part of the nomination submitted to the Boutique Hotelier team, Core by Premier Software included a testimonial from the Crown Spa Hotel.  Stuart Russell, Health Club & Spa Manager, said of the product: “Online integrates seamlessly with Core by Premier Software and we have complete control of the date, time and treatments available. In the first month, we saw spa treatment booking increase by 20% and we are looking to maintain this level going forward, whilst expanding the treatments that can be booked.” Finalists in the hotly contested category included:  Tribe517 Ltd OTO ADA Cosmetics Vanity Group Molton Brown.