Industry News

The luxurious hotel chain growing within Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman, Shaza Hotels, has opened Mysk Moon Retreat in Sharjah. And it is set to become one of the most prominent destinations for desert adventure seekers, being an ideal destination for travelers who love exploring and immersing in nature. The hotel is located between the dunes of the Al-Faya mountains and Mleiha district in Sharjah. The Moon Retreat is a must-to-go destination when visiting Sharjah, as it showcases the cultural and traditional heritage of the emirate. Mysk Moon Retreat features ten domes and six tents and is located deep close to the Mleiha Archeological Centre. Most of the rooms contain barbecue terraces, temperature-controlled pools, and scenic views of the desert and sloppy mountains. Mysk Moon Retreat targets adventurous guests and encourages them to spend their trip in a relaxed way, offering different activities for day and night time. The range of leisure options include paragliding, horseback, dune bashing, and trekking in the daytime. At the same time, nighttime offers barbeque dinners with an immense touch of Arabic experience, coffee ceremonies, and stargazing.  The founders of Shaza Hotels explain that they have created the Mysk Retreat Brand to bring the guests together for an intimate experience. Their partnership with Shurooq aims to provide a world-class destination experience in a memorable way, with a Mysk Retreats chain planned to be developed in the future. The collection will consist of bespoke retreats offering immersive experiential destinations for curious seekers. Photo credits Ivan Rivero

Wyndham Resorts & Hotels and CLC World Hotels & Resorts, one amongst Europe's leading independent valuable businesses, are teaming together to promote 12 resorts in Spain, the United Kingdom, the Canary Islands, Turkey, and Austria. The facilities will be turned into Wyndham Residences, Wyndham Grand Residences Wyndham, Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham, and Ramada Residences by Wyndham, and will launch in November. The new acquisitions will bolster Wyndham's network of over 300 hotels throughout Europe.    The Canary Islands On Tenerife's southern shore, Ramada Residences by Wyndham Tenerife Costa Adeje (181 apartments) and the Wyndham Residences Tenerife Costa Adeje (89 apartments) are positioned beside each other. The hotels will include two pools and on-site restaurants with local specialties and other cuisines.   Austria The Austrian Ramada Residences by Wyndham Saalfelden will have 37 apartments and outdoor pursuits like motorcycling, hiking, fishing, and boating.   Turkey The Wyndham Residences Kusadasi Golf & Spa in Turkey will feature 410 villas and suites and a professional 18 hole course including a club, a spa, dining options, and pools. The Aegean Sea is visible from the beach of the Ramada Residences by Wyndham Milas Bozbük. There are 67 2-bedrooms villas with terraces and glimpses of Bozbuk Bay available.   Spain The Ramada Residences by Wyndham Costa del Sol Fuengirola and Wyndham Grand Residences Costa del Sol Mijas are located in a semi-tropical garden with far more than 20 pools and amenities like restaurant chains, a gymnasium, and numerous kids clubs.   The U.K. In the U.K., Trenython Manor is a grand home with 24 acres of the property facing St Austell Bay on England's Cornish Riviera. With glimpses of Cornwall's shoreline, the facility will feature 27 bedrooms, 32 cottages, a bar, a patio, and a restaurant. A spa with aromatic treatments will also be available.   Photo credits Thorsten technoman

Visit Maldives, the official online informational source of the Maldives is excited to share an upcoming online event - a launch of "Tales of Maldives" "Throughout the past few years, we have realised that there is an important need for us to promote and showcase our folklores, stories, and tales of magic and wonder." - Visit MaldivesThe “Tales of Maldives'' is a series of short films showcasing some of the most captivating island stories, to carry on the tradition of the powerful local story-telling. From the well-known tales of Don Hiyala and Alifulhu to the role of magic and the supernatural in Maldivian society, it delves deep into the Maldivian landscape to tell stories of romance, intrigue, magic, and wonder. The stories are interwoven with our natural breathtaking beauty, which is a crucial element of what makes up the “Maldivian” identity.  It will be shared with the world for the first time at a special Facebook launch event on 20th October 2021 at 20:00. The joiners of the virtual discovery will also have a chance to win a trip to the tropical islands. Facebook event page link: https://fb.me/e/1lEzJ4Yq2

The annual conference of the Hospitality Professionals Association, HOSPACE 2021, is welcoming hoteliers to the event without an entry fee – to increase access to hoteliers in need for support and guidance around the factors impacting the sector. While the industry was hit hard by the recent pandemic and many other issues, HOSPA is inviting anyone who would like to join HOSPACE for the first time as it seeks to facilitate improved accessibility for operators looking to learn from the expertise on offer. The event, which is set for 18th November at the Royal Lancaster London , will focus on various topics, including the impacts of COVID-19 on the travel industry, new trends in technology, sustainability and climate change, staffing and engagement issues, and more. The 2021 edition of HOSPACE is set to be a dual affair, with HOSPA partnering with HTNG, a leading US trade association, to share hosting responsibilities, as is seeks to build upon the success of the 2020 hybrid event, with the 2021 edition set to consist of physical attendance and the option to attend virtually for international delegates. Initial planning for the event estimates 400 guests will attend in person, with capacity for another 500 to attend remotely thanks to the use of virtual technology. Besides the day conference, HOSPA is adding an evening dinner event, with a series of recognitions for COVID heroes and inspirational leaders of the industry, from the departments of finance, revenue manager, marketing, IT, and more.

The 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards is the third year running Condé Nast Traveller has teamed up with its sister title in the USA. With restrictions lifting and the industry unlocking, responses from more than 800,000 readers reveal travellers are raring to go, with the majority saying they wanted to take more trips now than ever before, and to seek out new destinations. In a year when travel was more wishful thinking than reality, this browse through the virtual holiday album will help inspire a whole year of adventures, close by and far from home. The best cities to travel:  Best Cities (UK) London Edinburgh Liverpool Glasgow Manchester Best Cities (World) Istanbul Oporto San Sebastián Salzburg Siena Dubrovnik Bruges Reykjavik Galway The best countries to travel: Portugal New Zealand Japan Morocco Sri Lanka The best resorts in Europe (excluding Greece): Cheval Blanc, Courchevel, France Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles, France Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, Champillon, France The Bodrum Edition, Turkey Gleneagles, Scotland Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino, Italy Ashford Castle Hotel & Country Estate, Co. Galway, Ireland Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Six Senses Kaplankaya, Turkey Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, Hampshire, England The 2021 winners are celebrated in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveller, available via digital download.

Sprawled across 32,000 square meters in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Ithaafushi is now the largest private island in the Maldives to offers luxury experiences without boundaries. Beginning with a 40-minute private yacht ride to the island, the guests are taken care by a personal concierge who remains on hand to attend to every desire. Accommodate up to 24 guests at once, the island comes with both beach and overwater villas, each with its own pool, hammocks, and expanding doors that fully open to put the crystal-clear waters within close reach. The experience includes a private spa with a dedicated spa team, fully equipped gym with fitness classes, meditation and yoga pavilion, a personal trainer, and a choice of water sports and diving activities. It also offers serviced of a private chef, who is available 24/7y to prepare whatever guests desire, as well as a dedicated wellness concierge, who can provide customized therapies catering to the needs of each guest.

Millions of curious minds were waiting for this exciting event, and finally Expo 2020 is ready to welcome the visitors from all around the globe. Running for half a year, from October 2021 to March 2022, this show brings together travelers, inventors, businessmen, and tourist from 190 countries.  UAE expects a tourism boost during the period, ready to welcome more than 25 millions of Expo 2020 visitors. To make the visiting experience even more exciting, the guests can purchase and Expo 2020 passport, stamping it along the way across the massive country pavilions. A series of engaging experiences for the visitors include theme weeks, art galleries, a variety of entertainment and an array of other activities, available on the event's calendar. Entry passes, daily, monthly, and seasonal, are available at the venue's website. Moreover, hoteliers have a chance to see the grand show free of charge, claiming their free ticket with a work ID. 

The yearly travel, hospitality and tourism conference will be hosted on May 8 to 11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with a virtual event from May 17 to 18 for those unable to make it in person. The event will focus on the future of international travel and tourism, highlighting the potential challenges and opportunities facing the industry. While much of the previous ATM was centred around the recovery from Covid, the next show will talk more about looking into the future.  Show highlights in 2022 will also include destination summits focused on the key source markets of Saudi Arabia, CIS, China and India, with a global event for travel technology which puts a spotlight on the latest technology for travel and hospitality.  Even with the global travel and social distancing restrictions, the ATM 2021 event was very well received, with over 21K attendees arriving from more than a hundred countries. During the virtual event, over 30K profiles were registered on the ATM Virtual platform, and almost 20 thousands of face-to-face virtual meetings took place along with thousands of conference attendees.

Maldives is welcoming a new resort from the world renowned French-born hospitality brand. Located on Thilamaafushi of Lhaviyani Atoll, the property features 141 charming villas and a variety of epicurean and leisure experiences. Easily accessible by a 35-minute seaplane journey north of Velana (MLE) International Airport, Malé, the natural island is covered with abundant flora and fauna, with a lagoon and coral reefs bursting with vibrant marine life, including pods of Manta Rays and turtles.  Designed in a contemporary "clean chic" style, the resort offers a selection of accommodation, with one, two and three-bedroom villas, all offering a muted color palette and a contrast of renewable materials that fosters simplicity, openness and functionality. Food and drink options are available in six restaurants and bars, showcasing international cuisines and locally harvested produce. The signature Tabemasu offers a teppanyaki counter and a private open-air pavilion where guests will enjoy an expertly curated Japanese menu. The resort's adults only beachside bar, Riviera, is a framed by an oceanfront infinity pool and private shoreline and vivid sunsets.  Waves Café is a mindful eating space that fosters a healthy and nourishing approach with a focus on organic farm-to-table ingredients.  Velaa Bar + Grill, situated poolside, features signature cocktails and light dishes to savour in the summer sun, and grilled seafood, meats and wood-fired delicacies to indulge in once the last ray's fade. The Le Méridien Hub, a social gathering place, serves custom-brewed, barista-crafted coffee beverages, while Turquoise, a beachside marketplace, serves local dishes from breakfast to dinner. Guests relax and rejuvenate at two infinity pools at the resort or indulge into pampering at the Explore Spa by Le Méridien. 

Forbes Travel Guide will officially launch its inaugural Star Rating awards in 2023 for select ocean and river cruise ships from the world’s finest cruise lines.  Cruising represents the first addition to the Star Rating system since spas were added in 2004. This decision follows several years of careful research and preparation.  Luxury cruising holds the same goals as the world’s best hotels and resorts. Likewise, FTG’s Star Rating standards for cruise ships emphasize the guest service experience, while also capturing the quality of facilities – just as done with hotels, restaurants, and spas. Forbes Travel Guide's incognito inspectors will set sail in early 2022 to prepare for the first rating announcement in 2023.   

Accor has confirmed Raffles The Palm Dubai will open its door to eager travellers on October 1, 2021. Flanked by a 500 m private beach. Inside the property will be a 3,000 sq m Cinq Mondes Spa with 23 treatment rooms, two spa suites and what is being called Dubai’s largest indoor swimming pool. Accor also confirms the resort will have its own cinema. The property’s managing director Ayman Gharib, says: “It’s with pride that we announce the official opening of Raffles The Palm Dubai, Raffles’ newest luxury resort in the UAE. The five-star property invites guests to discover one of the world’s most exciting destinations through the gracious lens of a Raffles resort. Raffles The Palm Dubai will ensure that every stay is exceptional with everyone arriving as a guest, leaving as a friend and returning as family.” Once open, Raffles the Palm Dubai will have 389 keys, with a range of rooms, suites and villas, each with a balcony and sea-view terrace. It will also offer eight F&B venues.

Designed as a nature immersive wellbeing retreat island, the first of its kind in the Maldives, JOALI BEING offers completely personalised and results-driven transformative programmes, with the ultimate aim for guests to return home feeling renewed, uplifted and inspired, with a new sense of ‘weightlessness’. The retreat will offer an array of finest wellbeing facilities and unique transformational spaces, including hydrotherapy, movement, and sound healing experiences.   The Picture-Perfect Setting JOALI BEING resides on the secluded natural island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, an easy seaplane flight away from Male International Airport, with the option of a private transfer. The retreat is home to a total of 68 private exquisite beach and water villas, each with their very own personal butler or “Jadugar”, meaning ‘skilled magician’ in Dhivehi. Each accommodation come with private pools and a variety of special inclusions, such as customized mini-bar setups, tuned meditative balancing musical instruments, wellbeing games and more. JOALI BEING also features unique four-bedroom fully equipped exclusive overwater villa with a magnificent uninterrupted ocean view, a wellbeing room, and a movement room.   With the island’s wild forest remaining untouched, JOALI BEING has been built using Biophilic design principles, a scientific system of integrating architecture and design with nature, aiming to achieve harmony by eliminating negative vibrations and enhancing the energy flow of the island. The architectural concept of the retreat was guided by an architect Cuneyt Bukulmez from Atolye4N Architectural Design Studio and an interior design studio Autoban – both also led the design concept of JOALI Muravandhoo island.