Industry News

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton announced resort transformation, soft refurbishment, & enhancements. Having established itself as a firm favourite for couples and honeymooners, the resort combines unrivalled privacy with exceptional Maldivian hospitality. SAii Lagoon Maldives is set to embark on a journey of transportation as the indulgent beachfront destination announces a resort transformation inclusive of substantial soft refurbishment, redesign and enhancements of villa interior and exterior surroundings. The resort will reveal the converted new Beach Villas into Junior Pool Suite, a one-bedroom accommodation with a separate living room and private patio. Complete with a private pool and direct access to the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, the new villas each have spacious bedrooms with king-sized beds and a garden-view bathroom with an outdoor bath. Dedicated to couples and honeymooners, numerous rooms and villas in SAii Lagoon Maldives are transformed into a spacious sanctuary of comfort and style. The new Junior Beach Pool Suite includes chic interiors combined with ocean-inspired surroundings with a separate living space and pool. 12 spacious villas were redesigned to feature a stunning timber deck and mosaic-tiled pool, while full-length mirrors and additional amenities were placed to elevate the guest room experience. Not to mention, those staying in the villas receive a personal welcome at the airport and use of exclusive resort facilities to arrive via speedboat – all of which provide an unforgettable way to kick off the holiday. “It continues to be our honour to welcome guests from around the world, and these projects will greatly improve and elevate the experiences for all guests,” said Alexander Traeger, General Manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives. “The new villas, in particular, will transform the resort to exceed today’s luxury standards; the new chapter in SAii Lagoon Maldives demonstrates our continued commitment to unparalleled service and guest experiences.” The resort’s ocean-view infinity pool and fitness centre will allow guests to refresh and recharge in paradise. A wide range of water sports and recreational facilities will also be available at The Marina @ CROSSROADS, a 30-berth, marina and vibrant lifestyle district. The PADI-certified Watersports & Dive Center will provide regular excursions and private tours into the underwater world. The Marine Discovery Centre will teach guests about the resort’s extensive conservation activities, including a Junior Coral Curator program and clownfish release initiatives. The Maldives Discovery Centre will showcase the culture of this captivating country. Other facilities include the Lèn Be Well Spa, Junior Beach Club, and Camp.  The Marina @ CROSSROADS will also house the CROSSROADS Event Hall, which can be accessed directly from SAii Lagoon Maldives via a footbridge. The first dedicated conference centre in the Maldives, this state-of-the-art facility will provide options for all business functions, whether large-scale corporate events or innovative team-building breaks.  SAii Lagoon Maldives is also investing substantially in sustainable solutions, such as providing glass bottles in the guests’ rooms and paper straws in all its outlets. Throughout the pandemic, the resort has prioritised guests’ health and safety in addition to completing refurbishment to complement the villa upgrades. These enhancements will further the resort’s commitments to its guests and the destination.

Couples looking for a relaxing honeymoon to create everlasting memories and start their married chapter on a high should look no further than JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa – the resort where honeymoon dreams are made. The resort’s luxurious Spa by JW has just been awarded Favorite Honeymoon Spa - Global at the GlobalSpa Awards 2022, with judges applauding the spa for its service, treatment selections and industry-leading excellence, guaranteed to leave honeymooners mesmerized by their experience.     The annual awards by GlobalSpa magazine recognizes international excellence in the spa and wellness industry, including superior services, products and best practice and is audited by a panel of industry experts to ensure authenticity.  Spa by JW is a tropical sanctuary hidden away in a secluded corner of the breathtaking Vagaru Island, where luxury and indulgence blend seamlessly. Known as a favorite for honeymooners to unwind and refresh their senses during their post nuptial holiday, the award puts the spotlight on Spa by JW as the epitome of indulgence – the ultimate destination where honeymooners can relish in couple’s treatments among stunning natural surroundings and absolute tranquility.  “We are thrilled to have been recognized for this award. We strive to master the magic of creating unique romantic staycation experiences, filled with thoughtful details special touches of The Maldives. Couples are continuously looking for ways to reconnect and discover one other. Our team works tirelessly to deliver unforgettably romantic experiences on every corner of the resort.” Says Pari, Manager at Spa by JW during the event held at the Spa.  Offering a range of therapies inspired by some of the world’s most ancient practices, Spa by JW ensures that each guest’s mind, body, and spirit are prioritized through a range of beauty and wellbeing treatments with four distinct benefits: Calm, Indulge, Invigorate, and Renew.  Spa by JW is equipped with a Deluxe Treatment Room which is a favorite among couples and offers guests the ultimate in privacy and luxury with a steam room, an ice room, and plunge pool.  Couples can also bond over a selection of activities offered at the spa with some of the resort’s inspiring wellness classes including yoga at the open-air pavilion, fitness classes at the overwater gym or simply take time to relax and rejuvenate with one of the healing treatments including soothing massages and body wraps. Some of the signature treatments at Spa by JW include body scrubs, wraps, couple’s massage, and facials.  A special His & Hers package, an ideal option for honeymooners, allows for a romantic escape to this island idyll for a getaway in the dreamiest of settings. Included in the package is a villa with private pool, daily breakfast at Aailaa, the all-day dining venue, a one-time interactive Steak Masterclass with red wine pairing at the overwater restaurant, Shio, followed by a BBQ session and plating techniques by the resort’s expert chefs and more. In addition to gastronomic surprises, guests can indulge in the Ultimate Aromatherapy Treatment, the Spa by JW’s signature massage for two at the award-winning spa. 

Marking as a leader in sustainability, the property implemented six new sustainability features, receiving the eco-rating from Green Key Global. The newly transformed Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel earned a 5 Key Eco-Rating from Green Key Global, marking the hotel as a leader in sustainability in the hospitality industry. To earn the rating, Sheraton met all five of Green Key Global’s pillars of sustainability, initiating several new sustainability practices, many of which directly resulted from the hotel's largest renovation in its 50-year history. “We recognize that our sustainability efforts do much more than benefit our bottom line,” said Tim Reardon, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel General Manager. “They improve the quality of life for our community as well as our guests and employees.” Green Key Global’s eco rating consists of five key pillars: Develop a sustainability policy, engage employees, hire green suppliers, measure and track progress, get certified by a third party. Sheraton Centre achieved all five pillars, led by Director of Engineering, Nabil Mansour. Mansour attributes this success to the guidance of Green Key Global. “The hospitality industry has a lot of potential for growth in sustainability,” said Rebecca Bartlett-Jones, Manager of Business Development at Green Key Global. “Sheraton Centre Toronto is a pinnacle of sustainable accommodations, leading the way for our industry.” One of Sheraton’s major initiatives which contributed to this certification is its partnership with suppliers like Lightenco. The seemingly simple act of switching from halogen to LED light bulbs reduced Sheraton’s annual electricity consumption by approximately 480,000 kWh and reduced its annual carbon footprint by more than 14,000 kg. Another update in Sheraton’s suite of sustainable processes includes distilling all food waste into compost. The water released from the compressed food can be used for cleaning and watering plants, and the remaining, dry compost goes to local farms. Other sustainable adaptations Sheraton has made include recycling water where appropriate, installing a rooftop garden, installing high-efficiency LED lighting with smart technology in newly renovated areas and adding chiller plant manager to the building automation system. Sheraton Centre Toronto joined Green Key Global in 2013 with the goal of reducing operating costs, carbon footprint and food waste. The result of Sheraton’s commitment to sustainability is receiving the 5 Eco-Rating from Green Key Global.

Honoured once again to be placed among the giants of the travel industry, Six Senses Resorts and Spas win 14 Readers’ Choice Awards as rated by travellers. The quintessentially romantic Six Senses Ninh Van Bay tops the list of resorts in Asia and places seventh in the best overall place to stay.   The Readers’ Choice Awards reflect what the Condé Nast Traveller in the UK and its sister title in the US audience loves, remains loyal to, and can’t wait to experience again within every sector of travel. This year, over 240,000 readers cast their votes and shared their recent travel knowledge of the world’s top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, spas, trains, airlines, airports, cruises, and more.  Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam: #1 Top Resorts in Asia, #7 Top Resorts in the World  Six Senses Bhutan: #2 Resorts in Asia, #17 Top Resorts in the World  Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, Turkey: # 2 Top Hotels in Turkey, #37 Top Hotels in the World  Six Senses Kaplankaya, Turkey: #3 Top Destination Spa Resorts in the World  Regional Top Resorts winners:  Six Senses Shaharut #10 – The Middle East  Six Senses Uluwatu, #10 – Indonesia  Six Senses Laamu #15 – Indian Ocean  Six Senses Con Dao, #15 –Asia  Six Senses Ibiza #19 – Europe 

Address Beach Resort & Palace Beach Resort are raising Breast Cancer Awareness in a Tranquil Escape of Fujairah with an array of themed offers throughout the month of October. Pinktober at The Lounge  In support of breast cancer awareness month, The Lounge will be offering guests the opportunity to support the campaign, by showcasing an array of sweet delicacies including the Pink Kiss, a vanilla and strawberry dessert, alongside Pink Lattes for guests to indulge in. Also pretty in pink, The LoungeHigh Tea, available every afternoon during the month of October. Location: The Lounge, Address Beach Resort Fujairah Pinktober at The Spa The award-winning Spa also joins in to raise nation-wide awareness and support the good cause with a beautiful Pink Care Package, and indulging ritual to pamper and relax from head to toe. Indulge in a whole-body experience of calmness, including scalp stimulation, a restorative massage as well as a signature foot ritual at AED 520 per person. Location: The Spa, Address Beach Resort Fujairah Pinktober at Al Bayt Al Bayt is introducing a decadent afternoon tea for the month of October. The pinktober inspired creations will be featuring Pink Lattes as well as Pink Palace mocktails. Location: Al Bayt, Palace Beach Resort Fujairah  

Patina Osaka honours the land with its unique design concept based onthe memories of Japan’s City of Water. Patina alike connects to water,the most elemental entity, the flow of life that connects and carriespeople and planet.Set to open in 2025, Patina Osaka is the first urban property of PatinaHotels & Resorts, an elevated lifestyle brand by Capella Hotel Group.The approximately-220-room hotel is located opposite Osaka Castle,one of Japan’s most prominent historic sites, and next to thenoteworthy Naniwanomiya-Ato Park.Built in homage to Osaka’s effortless beauty and vibrancy, the modern20-storey building is a collaboration between two award-winningJapanese architects and designers: Jun Mitsui & Associates for exteriorand Strickland for the interiors. They have woven together a narrativerich in sense of place, while creating an urban sanctuary that inspiresshared consciousness between humans. Patina’s perpetual journey, a seamless flow of energy, is reflectedthroughout Patina Osaka’s design concept. It all begins when guests stepfoot inside Roots, the signature plant-based restaurant, and are greetedwith an inviting warmth from its earthy hues. Guests will explore what isconscious eating through locally-sourced produce with bold and excitingflavours – including ingredients from the edible garden and outdoor nursery.Heading up to the rooftop (at level 20) where Fusion, the beating heart ofPatina is perched – guests will then check-in. The social spot encouragesinteractions between guests and locals alike. It features a cocktail bar andlistening station run by a DJ and equipped with an extensive vinyl collection– at Patina, music has the power to spark social bonds, fuel the collectiveenergy and invite expression.Following the gravity flow of energy, guests may proceed to the spiral stairswhich leads to the hotel’s brasserie and Tea Lounge on the next storeydown. These intimate spaces reveal the layers of nature – allowing visitorsto tune into the environment. Centred around a memories-of-the-land aesthetic philosophy, the hotel’sinteriors marry a shared love for natural and regional materials with customart by local artists and artisans. Inspiration was taken from the history ofOsaka Castle and Mother Earth, where each level is individually designed toreflect a contemporary take – featuring elements like copper, wood, earthand water.Each room and suite incorporate a balance between modern and naturalaesthetics, showcasing an uninterrupted view of Osaka Castle. Guests canalso expect versatile spaces within the room that speak to the convergenceof quiet downtime and vibrant activities. Every living area is dynamic,morphing into a fitness ground, a tea appreciation lounge or even amediation retreat and playpen with the tatami mat - offering seamlesstransitions between work, play, exercise and wellbeing. Developed by NTT Urban Development Corporation, a comprehensive realestate company within the NTT Group, Patina Osaka brings desired,unexpected, sophisticated and fresh experiences together.“We can’t wait to launch the first Patina Hotel in Japan, togetherwith our partner, Patina Hotels and Resorts, the lifestyle brand ofCapella Hotel Group. Built across the Osaka Castle, Patina Osakawill bring an unexpected fresh experience and raise a new bar ofsustainability standards for Osaka.” - Hiroshi Tsujigami,Representative Member of The Board President of NTT UrbanDevelopment Corporation.“This is Patina’s first foray into Japan and we are looking forward topartner with NTT Group to help establish theirs and our vision inJapan’s City of Water. This is a great opportunity for us to continueour growth, bringing Patina’s lifestyle as we establish our presencein Japan.” – Cristiano Rinaldi, President of Capella Hotel Group

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s iconic luxury hotel brand, announced its entry into Vietnam with the signing of Waldorf Astoria Hanoi. The hotel, owned by BRG Group and managed by Hilton, continues the brand’s entry into the world’s most sought-after destinations. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts operates six hotels in China, Thailand and the Maldives, and will more than double its presence in Asia Pacific over the next five years. Nestled in the city’s beautiful and historic city centre, the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Hanoi is a conversion of the current Hilton Hanoi Opera and will feature fully reimagined accommodations across each of its 187 rooms and suites, after extensive renovations are complete. Honouring the brand’s commitment to culinary excellence and innovation, the luxury hotel will also feature four world-class dining concepts including the brand’s world-famous lounge and bar, Peacock Alley, a rooftop lounge and two other distinctive restaurants. Guests can also look forward to beautiful event spaces totaling over 1,000 square metres and lavish, holistic therapies at the award-winning Waldorf Astoria spa. “We are thrilled to debut our premier Waldorf Astoria brand in Vietnam with our longstanding partner BRG Group. This signing marks a significant milestone in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and tourism destinations. Situated in the heart of Hanoi next to the iconic Hanoi Opera House, Waldorf Astoria Hanoi will enhance the country’s luxury travel offerings to capture a rapidly growing segment of discerning travellers,” commented Guy Phillips, senior vice president, Development, Asia and Australasia, Hilton.

Singapore, 7 October 2022 – Global hospitality group The Lux Collective and    P Q Hai Quoc Joint Stock Company have signed a hotel management agreement to build a luxury overwater resort under the LUX* Resorts & Hotels brand on the island of Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Named LUXNAM* Phu Quoc, the resort is set in one of Asia’s most sought-after destinations and is expected to open in late 2024."We are honoured to partner with the P Q Hai Quoc Joint Stock Company to manage this new built overwater resort located on the remote Northern coast of Phu Quoc, which is adjacent to a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve spanning over 314,000 square metres of unique flora and fauna, evergreen forest and dense mountain range. Inspired by the iconic Maldivian-style overwater resorts, this is a first for Vietnam and the region," said Mr Paul Jones, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective."We are delighted to be the first strategic partner of The Lux Collective in Southeast Asia. Collaborating on the LUX* flagship luxury brand, we envision LUXNAM* Phu Quoc to become one of Southeast Asia’s top luxury resort destinations with its unique overwater design and extraordinary experiences. The tropical modernist resort, designed around sustainability, will showcase natural beauty from every room to inspire the most discerning traveller looking for a natural escape, exquisite design and conscious travel," said Mr Duy Tran, Chief Executive Officer of P Q Hai Quoc Joint Stock Company."We are proud to work with The Lux Collective on the stunning LUXNAM* Phu Quoc project. We are certain that this long-term strategic alliance will help to promote Phu Quoc as a heaven-on-earth destination - mapping it as the Maldives of Vietnam - among global travellers,” said Mr Bao Vu, Chairman of    P Q Hai Quoc Joint Stock Company.One-of-a-kind in Asia, LUXNAM* Phu Quoc is an eye-catching overwater resort on a jungle-draped island off the coast of Vietnam. Tucked away between a pristine beach and tropical jungle, the dragon-shaped resort consists of two areas connected by a sleek 4-kilometre long jetty over the lagoon. An unexpected, modernist Maldivian-style resort, LUXNAM* Phu Quoc sits above the shallow waters and coral reefs of Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve. Its design inspiration originates from reimagined Vietnamese traditions with a minimalist twist. The stylish ambience combines comfort and sophistication. Besides building in harmony with nature and biodiversity, the Group’s sustainability DNA is thoughtfully incorporated throughout the resort. Overseeing panoramic seaviews, the 126-villa only resort includes 109 overwater villas (most with private pool), 13 beach pool villas, 2 penthouses and 2 beachfront pool mansions. Set overwater on stilts are intimate and private one- to five-bedroom villas and penthouses. All accommodations exude elegant comfort along with the personalised service that is a hallmark of LUX*. It will also feature restaurants with innovative world-class cuisine, spa, fitness centre, four swimming pools, a children's playground and other modern facilities and amenities. Ideal for renewal, slow living and a holistic approach to wellbeing and creative dining, LUXNAM* Phu Quoc is set to define the new take on Vietnamese luxury for global travellers and in-the-know locals. Growing its global presence, The Lux Collective currently manages 16 operating resorts and hotels in Mauritius, China, Maldives and Ile de la Reunion, and has 12 more hotels in its development pipeline in Southeast Asia, China, Europe and Middle East.

Located in Baa Atoll, a renowned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve,  Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas became the first resort in the Maldives to achieve a Green Growth Platinum Certification. The certification is the highest level recognition offered by Green Growth 2050 Global Standard exclusively to members who meet all requisite criteria and continuously drive exemplary efforts on sustainability and CSR. The Green Growth 2050 criteria is based on a range of internationally recognised environmental and hotel industry sustainability standards. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas invites you to imagine your barefoot luxury paradise. Savor the luxury of space in your private pool beach villa or overwater villa. With over 80 beaches and over water pool villas and residences, Anantara Kihavah is the home to the Maldives-only over-water observatory.

Founded in 2016, Vélosophy is a Swedish bicycle and lifestyle brand with responsibility and sustainability at its heart.    Their exclusive collection of customisable bicycles, made from recycled aluminium, gives hoteliers the opportunity to offer their guests a sustainable and ethical way to explore and enjoy the surrounding area, perfect for any location. ”Making a difference is both about will and opportunity but also about choosing to do so. I’m proud to offer an alternative to all other bikes because I think we are.” - Jimmy Östholm, Founder of Vélosophy. One for One promise: for every bicycle bought, Vélosophy donates another to a schoolgirl in a developing country, increasing her presence at school and giving her hope for a better future*. All donated bicycles are also manufactured on location, supporting the growth of local businesses and the regional economy. The company also offers free delivery across Europe for purchases from their online store.   ”We are constantly looking for partners who do not rely on using new raw materials to produce their product. And in Vélosophy we found a brand creating super stylish and aesthetically beautiful bicycles out of recycled materials. A brand that also addresses the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by donating a bicycle to a schoolgirl in a less developed country for every bicycle sold. Being part of this process is a truly important gift.” - Sue Williams, General Manager at Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa.

The Emerald Collection has announced the opening of its second Maldivian five-star luxury property in Raa Atoll: Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa.Immersed in lush greenery and surrounded by a 100-hectare private lagoon with natural coral reef, the new Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is located on an intimate 7-hectare island, just 20 minutes by boat from the group’s first property, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa. Both resorts are members of The Leading Hotels of the World, and offer The Emerald Collection’s high-quality, signature Deluxe All-Inclusive service formula, as well as the opportunity for guests to island-hop in the Maldives, experiencing two luxury properties under the same brand.Emerald Faarufushi encompasses 80 contemporary and independent villas, 5 restaurants offering international cuisine, 2 bars, the Emerald Spa with 8 treatments rooms in evocative treehouses, and a Sports Centre equipped with professional Technogym machines and equipment. The resort is also home to tennis and padel courts, and ensures a programme of fun yet educational activities for children and teens at the Dolphin Kids Club.The signature experience is The Emerald Collection’s Deluxe All-Inclusive formula, that allows guests to make the most of countless activities (both on water and land), à la carte gourmet dining, and an extensive selection of premium international wines, beers and spirits.“We are thrilled to consolidate our presence in the Maldives with the opening of Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa”, says Aldo Scarapicchia, Partner and Managing Director of The Emerald Collection.“The new property will allow us to offer an integrated experience for international guests, with 80 additional accommodations between Beach and Water Villas, 70 of which have private pools. All our villas have been designed to comfortably host both couples and families with children. In fact our new resort is also home to the Dolphin Kids Club, a space where younger guests can really play, learn, have fun yet feel independent under the watchful eye of our multilingual professional educators.The ‘barefoot elegance’ style of the resort is woven through every element of a stay, and promises excellent standards delivered hand-in-hand with a genuine sense of ease in the refined yet informal surroundings”.The group has also renewed its focus on promoting sustainable tourism by implementing green practices both operationally and for the guest experience at the 100% plastic free property. The Emerald Collection aims to leave as limited impact on the destination as possible, with projects including a coral farming initiative, the consumption of Emerald Water bottled directly at the resort.

Following a recently upgrade, guests of Royal Pool Beach Villas of the resort will be welcomed in a 260m2 space facing the magnificent lagoon of Taha’a.Equipped with a living room, 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms - one with a shower and a separate outdoor bathtub set in a tropical garden, the other with an indoor shower and a private pool, as well as everything you need to enjoy modern comfort: air conditioning, HD television, mini bar, and Nespresso coffee machine; they are a perfect match for a family of 4 adults and 2 children or a group of 5 adult friends.  The interior has been built in the pure Polynesian tradition with carved wooden frames, exquisitely blending thatched pandanus roofs, paintings from local artists.The outdoor area offers a deck for dinner (fare pōte'e), a private garden, a pool, and direct access to the beach.A cozy environment, a Polynesian ambiance, and high-quality services make our new Royal Pool Beach Villas a unique living and relaxing space at Le Taha’a.