Industry News

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah will open a new Mina Al Arab Resort and Spa from Q1 2022. RAK properties have developed this 5* full-luxury resort, making it a part of the Destination Strategy 2019-2021 of RAK properties. Its current objective is to renovate Ras Al Khaimah's tourism sector into a vigorous and sustainable stepping stone for its financial development. Ras Al Khaimah's Mina Al Arab will operate under the luxury line of InterContinental Hotels Group. It will offer a magnificent dining, living, and amusement experience for its guests. The resort has lavish rooms, villas, and suites with the additional benefit of outstanding views of the Arabian Sea. The first and exclusive InterContinental Club is also part of the resort Ras Al Khaimah.  There are also upscale amenities available for the guests: swimming pools, clubs for teens and kids, a gym, meeting rooms, and a tennis court. Mina Al Arab resort is set to become an Icon of lavish hospitality, and it will be a first-rate place for travelers in the Northern Emirates.  The resort will provide an unforgettable stay to visitors who want to have an idyllic enjoyable experience. It will host 350 rooms, health clubs, an amazing Spa, luxury suites, a well-equipped gymnasium, and many restaurants. The resort also provides refundable rates and free cancellation policies for its valued guests.  Photo credits InterContinental Hotels and Resorts

In the historic crown building, a new Aman opens its doors in Manhattan. This will be a new go-to place of the city with its residences, suites, and luxurious central Park. When a new property of the Aman group is designed in New York, it’s huge news for the industry and local community, especially with its iconic position at the end of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in the center of Manhattan. So, no doubts that Aman New York has a prosperous future, being the third holding of the glorified hospitality chain in the US, after Amangani in Jackson Hole and Amangiri in Utah. Ensconced in a restored picture of the Royal Crown Building, a Big Apple landmark has overlooked Central Park since it was built here in 1921. The 26-story structure that used to house the Museum of Modern Art (the famous MOMA) is now a gleaming tower of sheer gorgeousness. The Aman New York features the outstanding Neoclassical Beaux-Arts style and history of the Crown Building but also shines with its own “Amanesque” spirit. The hotel opening was scheduled to coincide with the building’s 100th-anniversary celebrations in the third quarter of 2021. Planned by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, the Aman New York guarantees 83 exquisitely stylized suites and a few interior and outside restaurants. These will include Arva – a happy Italian eatery, Nama – a tribute to Japan’s washoku dining tradition, and the twist Garden Terrace where you can savor signature juice as you stare across the Park. Music and entertainment will make the spirit happy, be it at the basement Jazz Bar, the Piano Bar, or Cigar Bar and Wine Library. Photo credits Aman Resorts Ltd

As the year of limited traveling is over, Marriott Bonvoy is back in India with its new global campaign named ‘Power of Travel.’ Marriot, being the International award-winning travel program, aims to encourage and inspire travelers. This new campaign by Marriott Bonvoy offers an endless experience regarding traveling.  They gently remind people that traveling holds power and can reshape the world. Marriott Bonvoy includes an extraordinary portfolio of 30 brands which adds richness to the experience of travelers. They offer luxury and exclusive benefits, promising the safety of travelers so that they can diversely experience their adventure. In today’s era, traveling has become more relevant now due to a longer lockdown. This long period of stagnancy demands the traveling industry to offer the best offers. Indians are keenly expressing their interest in resuming the travel, but safety is their top-most priority.  It has been seen that domestic tourism is growing steadily, and a recent survey reveals that 57% of Indians express their interest in traveling internationally for vacations within three months. Everyone is seeking refuge in reconnecting with their families for leisurely pleasure and joy, which can only be achieved through traveling. Marriott International has brought this campaign of ‘’Power of travel’’ which is a sort of inspiration for people who are eager to step out again to explore the world since the travel sentiments in India are now at some ease.  The Marriott Bonvoy’s are expanding their chain of hotels in India and offering a diverse range of benefits that members can avail of on their next holiday plan. Their new tagline ‘’Where can we take you?’’ evokes personal and spiritual destinations and physical destinations when people travel. Photo credits Artem Beliaikin

According to tourism and hospitality experts, there will be uncertainties in 2022 as international travelers offset the loss of travel time, with a 52% growth in tourists thinking that they need to get somewhere over the last year. The research outlines projections for traveling in 2022 and how people would rekindle their chance to travel in the coming year.   Traveling as a form of self-care Going away on a trip will become a key means of self in 2022, more so than physical activity or mindful meditation, with over 3-quarter of U.S. travelers (76 percent) admitting that travel enhances their emotional and mental wellbeing over other types of relaxation time.   Creating another Out-of-Office Policy When the epidemic struck, houses across countries became workplaces, and the uniqueness of working from home became apparent. Even so, in 2022, there will be an increase in people wanting to reclaim control to solidly re-establish a positive work-rest harmony, as vacation will be rigidly work-free just for more than three-quarters of U.S. travelers (76 percent), and that isn't always the circumstance in 2021 when home and remote job lives were blurred.   Prioritizing the Community Because the movement was slowed in many regions due to limitations, the epidemic compelled everyone to take advantage of locally available resources. Bonds with the community were renewed due to patronizing individually operated companies and spending more hours than before at the local park. Travelers will aim to be more aware of every trip made in 2022 to guarantee their influence on the local neighborhood is beneficial. They seek to engage honestly with the local community while on vacation. Photo credits Mali Maeder

Rosewood Villa Magna, Madrid, will reopen on November 7, 2021. This will be the 4th Rosewood in Europe after Rosewood London, Rosewood Castiglion, and Hotel de Crillon. Many other Rosewood hotels in Europe are being planned to open, such as Rosewood Vienna in 2022 and Rosewood Amsterdam, Rosewood Munich, Rosewood Rome, and Rosewood Venice, all to be completed by 2023.   Location The Rosewood Villa Magna is situated in Paseo de la Castellana 22. It is a 12-15 minutes’ drive away from Madrid Airport and only a 6-7 minutes’ drive from Prado Museum. You can also visit the Calle Serrano, which is well known for its excellent restaurants and shops.   Rooms and Suites The property features 154 rooms and suites starting with the basic deluxe room. You can also stay in the Grand Premier Castellana room, where you will get two queen beds and stunning panoramic views of Paseo de Castellana Boulevard.  The piece de la resistance of this hotel is the brand-new rooftop suite. Along with its master bedroom, another bedroom, two bathrooms, a living room, and dining room, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the terrace—an office, a sauna, and a gym.   Virtuoso Benefits and Opening Offers Virtuoso members can enjoy some of the delightful advantages at Rosewood Villa Magna: Upgrade upon arrival;  Daily breakfast for two persons per room; 100USD deposit to use throughout the stay, towards food & beverage, outlets, or spa services; Fruits and bottled water during check-in. Photo credits Rosewood Hotels and Resorts

According to a press release from Auberge Resorts Group, the first batch of 70 "vineyard residences" at Napa's Stanly Ranch hotel are now available for sale. Legendary Stanly Ranch is residence to Auberge Resorts Collection's newest destination, has over 700 acres of undulating vineyards, longhorn steer, eucalyptus trees, and walking and bicycling paths. A once-in-a-lifetime ownership chance characterized by exceptional services and facilities, a breathtaking natural backdrop, and unrivaled access to winemaking country living waiting. The residences, part of a collection of nine, are valued in the high $4 million brackets. According to project coordinator Chris Crosby, the start of sales took a bit longer than projected. The resort and residences were scheduled to open in 2021, but "it has been a problem with all of the unexpected turns we've all had to deal with in the last 18 months," he said. "We're in an excellent ability to implement first quarter of the upcoming year," he says. The Villas' product prices have yet to be published, according to Crosby. Nevertheless, because Villas are linked and have smaller sizes, they will be less expensive than the Vineyard Villas. "Stanly Ranch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue the Napa Valley ideal and engage in a comprehensive well-being style in conjunction with the earth," said Randy Nichols, founder and president of builder The Nichols Partnerships. The Villas feature a contemporary Napa farmhouse architecture situated against a backdrop of Italian cypress trees and olive trees. These wide two-bedroom houses surround the lodge lavender ring with glimpses of the Mayacamas Peaks viewed through the orchards and are infused with the resort's vitality, accessibility, and spirit.   Photo credits Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collections LLC

Rosewood São Paulo would be situated in the central Cidade Matarazzo, a trendy project with residential properties, high-end boutiques, and concert venues that will be turned from a collection of exquisite architecture back in the early twentieth century.  Alexandre Allard, a businessman who previously assisted in the revival of the Houses of Balmain, is developing the project. Leading global talents such as Pritzker award-winning designer Philippe Starck, architect Jean Nouvel, and legendary Brazilian artists Saint-Clare Cemin and Beatriz Milhazes contribute to this project alongside Rosewood and Allard. Rosewood S. Paulo would include 151 rooms and 114 landlord's suites, all of which would be housed in an elevated park designed by Nouvel. A caviar lounge and a bar will supplement two restaurants, one of which will be positioned on a balcony overlooking the gorgeous hotel gardens.  Two pools will be available, one on the top and the other placed within the beautiful grounds, as well as a huge spa featuring six treatment areas and a fitness center. The hotel guests would also have access to the project's adjacent screening room, music studio, and luxury retail establishments.   The site will have 100,000 sq. ft of convention and conference rooms. As in the premises of Rosewood São Paulo, there is a listed marriage chapel for big occasions. Its traditional architecture will be preserved, but a new colored glass display will be commissioned.   "As Paulo evolves into one of the world's fastest-growing places, Rosewood will infuse this classified as follows with a vibrant Brazilian spirit." We're thrilled to be able to give this historic structure a new outlook on life, and we hope it's going to be a source of joy and festivity."

Hilton Hotels has been ranked #3 on the list of the top 25 companies of the World’s Best Workplaces. For the sixth year in a row the Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work pick the company for its culture, benefits, and inclusive environment provided for the Hilton team members.  As per Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton, the company aims to build a culture that supports its employees at every step of their personal and professional journeys. Hilton also provides attractive benefits to both hourly and salaried staff, including expanded parental leave, adoption assistance, and extended bereavement leave. Hilton also started a support campaign for Team Members’ mental wellness, providing new tools and resources, and leaning on Hilton’s established culture of well-being.  Hilton was also named the top place to work in Argentina, Canada, China, Germany, Turkey, and the U.K., with a workforce spanning nearly 136,805 people across 119 countries and territories.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts chain already having 15 curated resorts are known to expand them with 11 new properties until 2025. It is known that the development will be seen in North America, the Caribbean, North Africa, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.  With 49 open hotels and 29 more in the pipeline, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts offer a leisure experience and are aiming to offer the same cherished traditions to some most beguiling destinations in the world. Their mission is to expand the brand by providing some extraordinary resort experiences from Sanya to Los Cabos and Riviera Maya to Marrakech. It is expected that St. Regis Kanai Resort will be debuted by 2022 in Mexico. It will feature 124 guestrooms and suites along with 32 exclusive villas having private pools. While the St. Regis Los Cabos, located on Quivira, will offer 120 rooms with 60 residences having three dining experiences, a beach club, a golf course, and a spa. The brand also plans to grow its presence in Qatar and Oman in 2022, featuring signature Arabesque style and local cultural flair. By 2025, St. Regis is expected to launch Sanya Haitang Bay Resort in China and St. Regis Marrakech Resort in Morocco. Photo credits Blue Arauz

The Woodward, the recent addition to the Oetker Collection's acquisition of "Magnum Opus Hotels," is officially open. The property, which has only 26 rooms, is positioned on Lake Geneva, with glimpses of the ocean and Mont Blanc. The post-Haussmann-style structure, which dates from 1901, was renovated by architecture and interior decorator BEA SA and Pierre-Yves Rochon architects. Accommodations Each of Woodward's 26 residences has a unique design. The Luxury Hotel offers spectacular views from every room, as well as a personal dining room and pergola, and the Imperial Suite, which is reached by an exclusive elevator and built to mimic a Parisian apartment, is the gem in the crown. Wellness The Guerlain Spa at The Woodward is described as Geneva's "brand new, premier wellness destination" by Oetker Collection. The Guerlain Spa, which was also the first one in Switzerland, contains six spa treatments, one of which is a double room, all of them having a white onyx basin and an Italian shower.  Gastronomy Le Jardinier and L'Atelier Robuchon, two Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, are among the hotel's gastronomic offerings. L'Atelier Robuchon features an open cuisine concept and two pre-dining rooms with 36 seats around a counter. Likewise, Le Jardinier serves gourmet dishes that showcase French cooking methods, emphasizing small sources and vegetables purchased within 90 miles of the restaurant. Explore Geneva The bustling, energetic city provides visitors with memorable attractions like the Plainpalais market, a booming cocktail scene, and Carouge's artisanal workshops. It's worth noting for watch enthusiasts: The Patek Philippe Museum is regarded as one of the best horology museums globally, with exhibits spanning five centuries of timepiece history. Photo credits Donald Tong

Accor has announced that the company is joining the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. The hospitality group enrolls with more than ten thousand food and beverage venues and five thousand properties around 110 countries.  The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is an international union that helps bring affianced hospitality companies together and utilizes the combined power of the industry to deal with major problems faced by the world and its inhabitants. Accor has been one of the leading companies in developing extended tourist experiences since its formation in 1967. Since then, it has been investing in innovations to facilitate hospitality experiences that have a lesser impact on the environment. In 2011, as part of Accor's current CSR approach, the company recognized 21 business actions where noteworthy upgrading could be implemented and set guidelines for assessable procedures and goals. Their objectives include reducing energy and water utilization, a shift towards carbon-neutral buildings, and encouragement of better and sustainable food with a strong cut back on food wastage. The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance compels joint action and offers realistic courses to facilitate the wider business with foremost hospitality companies and planned associates to function dutifully and develop sustainably. They bring new things and look for new spots of enhancement. The Alliance's associates make-up 25% of the international hotel business by rooms and collect 14 leading hotel companies globally. Partners and industry leaders are united in a conviction that working alongside can accomplish more for humanity and the environment.    Photo credits Andrea Piacquadio

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