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Sheybarah Island and its Sheybarah Resort will be one of the most luxurious destinations in the Middle East, according to its designer, Shaun Killa of Killa Designs.He said: “This is probably the most magnificent island in the Red Sea development. The brief for Sheybarah was to create an ultra-luxury eco-resort. We’re almost making the villas disappear, they will reflect the sky and the sea constantly.
“Ultimately, this resort will be one of the highest luxury resorts in the region and has the credibility of being completely and utterly self-generating via the sun.”
Sheybarah Island is an upcoming destination in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea gigaproject, set to redefine luxury and sustainability in the hospitality industry. The island’s centerpiece is the Sheybarah Resort, a futuristic hotel that is scheduled to open its doors in 2024. Designed by Killa Design, the architectural firm behind Dubai’s Museum of the Future, the resort aims to be a benchmark for regenerative developments and promote sustainable design in every aspect of its environment.
One of the standout features of Sheybarah Resort is its metal orb villas, which give it a futuristic appearance.
The sustainability efforts of Sheybarah Resort are commendable. The entire property is designed to be off-grid and operate on renewable energy sources. A centralised solar farm powers the resort, ensuring that it operates as a zero-energy establishment. Additionally, fresh water is supplied through a solar-powered desalination plant, minimising the resort’s ecological impact. Waste materials are recycled on the island, reducing the need for external transportation and minimising the resort’s carbon footprint.ADVERTISEMENT
As one of the 50 hotels planned for the Red Sea gigaproject, Sheybarah Resort aims to be among the most luxurious options available. Notable hotel brands such as St. Regis, Six Senses, Jumeirah, Raffles, and SLS will also be part of this prestigious destination. However, Sheybarah Resort stands out as a property that could potentially become Red Sea Global’s own hotel brand. CEO John Pagano has expressed the need for creating separate one-off projects that align with the resort’s visionary design, rather than trying to fit it into existing brand standards. These special projects will comprise only a small portion, approximately 10 percent, of the overall destination.

Sheybarah Resort is poised to revolutionise the concept of luxury and sustainability in the hospitality industry. With its futuristic metal orb villas, renewable energy usage, and commitment to regenerative development, the resort promises an extraordinary and environmentally conscious experience for its guests. As the Red Sea gigaproject continues to unfold, Sheybarah Resort stands as a testament to the innovative and ambitious vision driving this remarkable destination.

Source: Hotelier Middle East

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Just in time for the summer season, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and celebrated French swimwear brand Vilebrequin are excited to announce a capsule collection of three exclusive prints designed in Vilebrequin’s signature style and inspired by three of St. Regis’ highly anticipated resort openings – The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, The St. Regis Los Cabos Resort, and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort.
This collaboration brings together two iconic brands known for creating glamorous leisure experiences. Widely regarded as the authority on luxury swimwear, Vilebrequin is the ultimate reference for those who wish to combine casual elegance with humor, originality, impeccable taste, and quality. At home in a colorful world reminiscent of fine sandy beaches, sunsets, and dreams, Vilebrequin has embraced a spirt of freedom and elegance since it was founded. A like-minded brand that recognizes the importance of heritage and quality, Vilebrequin is the perfect and stylish complement to St. Regis Hotels & Resorts part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands.
From the mangrove forests of Riviera Maya to the white-sand beaches of Los Cabos to the tranquil waters of the Red Sea, the thoughtfully created patterns draw inspiration from these diverse and spectacular destinations as well as St. Regis’s most iconic symbols. Designed for St. Regis guests of all ages, the five-piece collection includes men’s swim trunks, women’s shorts, children’s swim trunks, a beach tote and travel pouch – all available in each of the three exclusive patterns.
“We are thrilled to partner with Vilebrequin to bring our glamorous new resorts to life through this limited-edition collection,” said George Fleck, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “As we continue to grow our resort portfolio, we have loved working with the designers at Vilebrequin to tell the story of three of our highly anticipated openings through each of these designs. We look forward to spotting our luminaries in these Vilebrequin patterns around the world!”
“Inspired by the legacy of the St. Regis, we wanted to create a series of prints that spoke to these incredible leisure destinations while remaining true to the world of Vilebrequin,” said Emmanuele Vinciguerra, Vilebrequin President, The Americas. “In each of our designs, you will find iconic elements of the St. Regis brand brought to life and reimagined through the whimsical world of Vilebrequin – a perfect combination.”ADVERTISEMENTSt. Regis Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to growing its resort portfolio solidifies the brand’s position as a leader in luxury leisure hospitality. Floating atop a natural mangrove reserve along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya recently opens its doors, combining striking architecture and stately grounds with a design story rooted in Mayan mysticism. Inspired by the resort’s location, design narrative and celestial inspiration, Vilebrequin created a beautiful blue pattern where the St. Regis crest dances alongside mangrove trees and lush tropical florals. Woven throughout the design are symbols of Ancient Mayan culture including celestial bodies of the sun and stars as well as butterflies, believed to be the spirits of Mayan ancestors return to comfort those they left behind.
Located on its own private island, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is slated to debut in late 2023. Inspired by the Arabian Riviera, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort print features shells, turtles and palm trees in rich, bold hues of blue and green. Resting below the shady palms, the pattern incorporates the pear-shaped oud, a prominent string instrument featured in Arabic music.
Expected to debut in 2024, The St. Regis Los Cabos Resort is located within Quivira Los Cabos, situated along a glorious 2.5-mile stretch of virgin beach on the Sea of Cortez. Designed to transport you to a seaside escape, the white and navy nautical St. Regis Los Cabos Resort pattern features marine emblems such as sailboats, whales, seahorses and turtles. Flutes of champagne serve as a nod to the St. Regis ritual of champagne sabrage while a pair of golf clubs and golf tees complete the pattern – the resort offers access to the Quivira Golf Club, which boasts an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Design and breathtaking views.
The Vilebrequin collection for St. Regis Hotels & Resorts will retail for $310 (men’s sizes), $215 (women’s sizes), $160 (children’s sizes), $75 (travel pouch) and $95 (beach tote). Within the United States, the collection is available for pre-order at the St. Regis Boutique here, and in the Caribbean and Latin America, available for purchase at The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya.

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Shangri-La launches its new “Find Your Shangri-La” global campaign, created to help guests find their personal moments of joy at the luxury hotel chain renowned for its delivery of Asian hospitality.The initial part of the campaign is centered around a whimsical brand film that celebrates Shangri-La’s commitment to providing guests with unforgettable experiences, showcased through unexpected moments of personalized and authentic service.
“At Shangri-La, we understand that each guest has a unique version of what it means to ‘Find Your Shangri-La,’” says Shangri-La Chairman Hui Kuok. “We have a rich legacy of more than 50 years in delighting customers and wanted to take this opportunity to highlight something that has always been part of us — bringing joyful moments to the people we host.
“The new brand film captures the unique way in which we delight our guests with special moments and treats through our warm, authentic hospitality. We are excited to debut our campaign with this film, alongside an array of immersive experiences that elevate our brand experience.”
The film was developed in partnership with GRAMMY® award-winning director Dave Meyers. To illustrate how guests can find their own Shangri-La, Meyers brought to life fanciful characters that represent different guest personas and chronicled how they found their happiness in various Shangri-La properties, showcasing the delightful, personalized hospitality experiences offered at each hotel.
“Shangri-La is more than a physical place,” said Meyers. “It is a state of mind – a magical world that you can get lost in. Making this film has been a wonderful and inspiring experience for me to explore what ‘Shangri-La’ means to modern travelers.”ADVERTISEMENT“Find Your Shangri-La” themed experiences at a variety of hotels:
To encourage guests to find their Shangri-La, hotels across the group are offering an array of local experiences to unveil hidden cultural gems exclusive to their destinations.
In Paris, an array of summery delights are available from the opening of La Bauhinia’s terrace where guests can dine with dramatic views of the Eiffel Tower, to private boat rides along the river Seine. Additionally, guests staying at Shangri-La Paris have the opportunity to immerse themselves in luxury with a newly launched experience at the iconic Guerlain fragrance boutique on the Champs-Élysées. The private tour will be complete with a bespoke Bee Bottle filled with a perfume of their choice, taking inspiration from Bonaparte’s bee emblem seen throughout the Parisian palace.
For the culture vultures, Shangri-La The Shard, London invites guests to uncover the historic secrets of the Tower of London followed by a gin tasting and at a local London distillery with their Royal Jewels & Gin experience, honoring this special Coronation year.
Guests in Istanbul are offered the chance to cruise down The Bosphorus in a luxury yacht and explore the city or try their hand at Ebru marble art in a painting studio in Kadıköy. Shangri-La The Bosphorus, Istanbul is home to Istanbul’s first Baklava Butler who expertly prepares traditional Baklava in a private setting.
Traveling from taste to scent, Shangri-La Al Husn, Muscat offers Oman’s debut Frankincense Butler where guests are taken on a journey into the ancient history of Omani culture. This includes a traditional welcome of Frankincense incense, local dates and coffee followed by a private tour of the resort’s Frankincense garden with their in residence Frankincense expert.
For those seeking adventure, Shangri-La Vancouver offers a thrilling helicopter experience to the top of Whistler, where a gourmet lunch will be enjoyed upon untouched snow caps before guests descend into the ice caves below.
For guests who find joy in art and nature, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong is collaborating with acclaimed Japanese contemporary artist Mika Ninagawa to transform the hotel’s lobby lounge into a fantastical garden adorned by larger-than-life botanical art pieces. Called “Butterflies’ Season”, the garden is her first signature mirror box floral installation at the hotel and an extension of the display she created for the Shangri-La Lounge at Art Basel Hong Kong in March 2023.
For those with epicurean tastes, Shangri-La has curated exclusive “Find Your Shangri-La” menus, inspired by Chinese and regional Asian cuisines and interpreted through the hotels’ local culinary cultures. While each menu is unique to the hotel, all menus celebrate unexpected flavors and presentations that offer diners the chance to experience a moment of joy. The menus are available now until August 13, 2023 at select hotels across the group.
Shangri-La has also created a collection of imaginative cocktails and mocktails inspired by the “Find Your Shangri-La” campaign theme. Available now through December 31, 2023, the three #FindYourShangriLa cocktails include the Daydreamer, Taste of Eden, and the Sky is the Limit. Guests can enjoy these cocktails while listening to the brand film’s theme song, “Over the Rainbow”. Members of Shangri-La Circle, the brand’s loyalty program, can also enjoy a complimentary #FindYourShangriLa cocktail on Members’ Day, celebrated on the sixth of each month. The “Find your Shangri-La” menus and special drinks are available at select Shangri-La hotels in France, China, Thailand, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
These are just a few of the experiences to ensure guests find their Shangri-La and the group looks forward to offering more memorable experiences and heartfelt hospitality to ensure you #Findyourshangrila.

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Ennismore – the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company – today announces the strategic global expansion of Mondrian, which this year is on track to debut hotels in Singapore, Ibiza, Hong Kong and Bordeaux.
Additionally, the brand has further expansion in its sights for 2024 and beyond with a solid pipeline of new Mondrian openings, each of which comprises a hotel and branded residential component in Australia’s Gold Coast, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Tulum. These new properties complement the existing collection of eight Mondrian hotels located in: Los Angeles, Miami, New York, London, Doha, Seoul, Cannes and Mexico City.
Mondrian’s expansion is innately linked to its brand DNA, which is rooted in art, design and culture. As the transmission of global culture continues to accelerate, Mondrian keeps pace, ensuring a position on the forefront of the world’s most exciting cultural scenes or fostering community and momentum in emerging hubs. Groundbreaking interiors, art installations and inventive culinary experiences are hallmarks of a Mondrian, as are dream-like spaces that reflect the city it inhabits. Visionary collaborators and progressive programming bring each location to life, generating an energy that is resonating deeply with travelers and residents who are motivated by cultural curiosity, and driving demand for Mondrian around the world. Alongside the expansion, the Mondrian brand will lean into its forward-thinking origins, celebrating the fusion of tech and culture, and partnering with innovators to continue inspiring new perspectives.
Chadi Farhat, Brand COO for Mondrian at Ennismore, states “From the moment the doors at Mondrian Los Angeles opened in the late nineties, guests connected with an electric energy and experience that was entirely new to hospitality. And once again it’s an exciting time for the Mondrian brand as it expands into new regions – the Middle East and Asia Pacific in particular – offering residences alongside hotels in several of the new locations. Guests can expect the same core values synonymous with Mondrian at every destination, with a flair for the unexpected that Mondrian aficionados know and love.”
Most recently, Mondrian Mexico City Condesa, opened in December ‘22 and was the first Mondrian hotel in Latin America. The new luxury, lifestyle hotel features 183 rooms including two Penthouse suites and 16 luxury suites, state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities, and four distinct culinary concepts including Cleo Mediterraneo, Skybar, The Flower Shop, and La Terraza. The hotel, an exciting new venture between Mondrian and Grupo Murano, is located in the heart of the vibrant Condesa neighborhood, just steps away from La Roma in the I421 Live District and is the masterwork of architect Jose Luis Benlliure. Similarly, Mondrian Cannes, the first Mondrian hotel in France, opened in March 2023, on the site of the town’s oldest luxury hotel, formerly Grand Hotel Cannes. Following an extensive renovation, the new luxury lifestyle hotel features 75 guest rooms including three suites, state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities, Hyde Beach Cannes, and Mr Nakamoto, a contemporary seafood restaurant combining a classic American Grill with Japanese flavors. Mondrian Cannes features a much coveted, prime oceanfront location including a private beach and is the only hotel on the legendary boulevard de La Croisette with its own gardens and direct access to the rue d’Antibes shopping district. ADVERTISEMENTAdditional Mondrian openings slated for 2023 include:
Mondrian Singapore Duxton: Opening June 2023: Designed by award-winning Studio Carter, Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s 302 rooms and suites take inspiration from the traditional Singaporean architecture executed with a contemporary flair. Mondrian injects its signature blend of art, glamour and culinary flair into Singapore’s most vibrant neighborhood: Duxton Hill. With its bold design and electric energy, Mondrian will set the scene with a cinematic rooftop pool and eclectic collection of bars and restaurants. Rising above the historic and colorful Chinatown shophouses with sweeping views of the glittering city skyline, the hotel is a stone’s throw from the Central Business District. Backtrack 100 years and the notorious streets of Duxton Hill were filled with adventurers and thrill seekers searching for a taste of the forbidden. The aroma of spices and sounds of the illicit permeated the air. Today, Duxton Hill is Singapore’s most up-and-coming neighborhood featuring barista cafes, world-class eateries,  bars, art galleries and independent boutiques.
Mondrian Ibiza: Opening Summer 2023, the luxury lifestyle hotel will offer 154 spacious guest rooms perfectly set on the east side of Ibiza overlooking the scenic bay of Cala Llonga and the turquoise waters of the Balearic Sea. Designed by Spanish firms Beades Architects and Cuarto Interior, the hotel will operate seasonally. The seaside hotel will feature two pools overlooking the ocean, with suites overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Design touches include moments of color throughout public and private spaces, as well as a highly developed art program. Public spaces include an expansive terrace with bay views and VIP fire pits as well as a transportive, deep blue reception area. A much-coveted ensemble of culinary offerings will include: NIKO, a classic, understated and serene Japanese restaurant specializing in premium sushi overlooking the bay; The Perq, a day to night bar serving responsibly-sourced, direct-trade coffee, tea, fresh fruit, smoothies and juices with irresistible baked goods during the day before purveying local beers and natural wines each evening; Sun & Moon will be a versatile all-day coffee and cocktail bar serving Australian influenced comfort food with a local mixology twist. The property will benefit from access to a further five distinct culinary concepts at neighboring resort Hyde Ibiza, offering speakeasy-inspired cocktails, poolside DJ sets and sea-to-table dining inspired by the bounty of the Pityuses at Cuyo, Bungalow and Hyde Beach.
Mondrian Hong Kong: Opening Q3 2023: Located in the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district in Hong Kong’s vibrant Kowloon, the property will be the first Mondrian hotel in Greater China. Upon opening, the luxury lifestyle hotel will feature 324 guest rooms including 12 two bay suites designed by veteran Mondrian designer Karin Krautgartner/byKK. Guest rooms will offer beautiful panoramic views of the Victoria harbor as well as the beautiful city itself and will put a playful spin on the Hong Kong hospitality scene. On the 39th-floor, guests can dine at Carna by Dario Cecchini, a contemporary steakhouse from the legendary butcher from Tuscany, Italy and designed by the award winning Hong Kong designer Joyce Wang.
Mondrian Bordeaux: Opening early Fall: This beautiful Bordeaux hotel is being built around a 19th century building, with 97 elegant guest rooms spread over three floors. Guests will enjoy a full spa, elevated dining with a beautiful bar lounge, and an open-air terrace spanning over 200 square meters.
Looking ahead into 2024, Mondrian Gold Coast will offer unsurpassed vistas, service levels and a hotel offering and will become the first branded residences in Australia. Mondrian Abu Dhabi, the brand’s first project in the United Arab Emirates, is also slated for a 2024 opening. Located in the city’s bustling downtown area alongside the Abu Dhabi canal, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will offer waterfront views overlooking both Reem Island and Maryah Island with direct views of the city skyline. Similarly, slated to open in 2025, Mondrian Tulum Hotel & Residences will be the second Mondrian in Mexico to open following the success of Mondrian Mexico City Condesa. Finally, Mondrian Riyadh is due to open in 2026, which will mark the brand’s debut in the city, as well as, the first in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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1 HOTEL MAYFAIR, THE SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY BRAND’S UK FLAGSHIP, IS NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS More

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, a leading vacation ownership company and partner of IHG® Hotels & Resorts (IHG), announced today that it has acquired four scenic beachfront resorts located in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, Mexico from Royal Resorts®, a pioneer in the Mexican Caribbean tourism industry. The acquisition also includes most of Royal Resorts’ related companies and its corporate operations. These resorts will be Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated’s first properties located outside the United States, further broadening Holiday Inn Club Vacations’ and IHG’s resort footprint and providing guests with increased choice in leisure destinations.
The four award-winning, family-friendly resorts acquired by Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated – The Royal Sands®, The Royal Cancun®, The Royal Haciendas® and Grand Residences by Royal Resorts® – collectively will add more than 850 villas to the company’s growing portfolio of destination resorts. The company expects it will take approximately one year to fully integrate the resorts, and during this process, the resorts will continue to operate normally.
Once complete, IHG Hotels & Resorts customers will be able to book these properties through IHG and enjoy benefits of IHG’s loyalty program – IHG One Rewards – including the ability to earn and redeem points for hotel stays. These properties will join IHG’s global network of 18 brands and more than 6,000 hotels globally, adding stunning family travel destinations to IHG’s growing brand portfolio.
John Staten, President and Chief Executive Officer, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, stated: “We couldn’t be more excited about this news and what it means for Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and most importantly, the families that travel with us. This acquisition is aligned with our growth roadmap where growing guest love and our resorts are two interconnected foundational pillars supporting our all-encompassing mission to be the most loved brand in family travel. With four incredible resorts located throughout one of the fastest growing family travel destinations in the world – the scenic Mexican Caribbean – the acquisition brings an entirely new, all-inclusive experience to our owners, Club members and guests.”
Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Guests around the world will now have even more exciting choices to add to their travel plans while also enjoying the rich benefits of our IHG One Rewards program for their current and future stays. The addition of these award-winning resorts also demonstrates the strength of the Holiday Inn brand family and, certainly, founder Kemmons Wilson’s unwavering vision to create a better way to vacation lives on today.”ADVERTISEMENTSpence Wilson, Board Chairman, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, commented: “Since my father started Holiday Inn Club Vacations more than 40 years ago, there have been many significant growth milestones along the way. Few can top today’s announcement—our first expansion outside the United States. I am incredibly proud of our team and look forward to a future that is brighter and even more exciting as we welcome the Royal Resorts team and their owners, members and guests into our family.”
Dr. Kemil Rizk, Chief Executive Officer and President of Royal Resorts, added: “We believe that it is a perfect fit, and we could not ask for a better partner to continue our legacy since welcoming our first guests in 1978. Like us, Holiday Inn Club Vacations is a pioneer company with a family-oriented resort collection and a reputation for outstanding service and quality. Holiday Inn Club Vacations is dedicated to providing memorable vacation experiences for families – something that aligns perfectly with the Royal Resorts mission and values, our points based and fixed week vacation ownership memberships and our team’s everyday commitment to quality service.”
The transaction was reviewed and received approval from the Anti-Trust Commission (Comisión Federal de Competencia Economica, COFECE) of the Mexican government. As part of a separate agreement, Tortuga Resorts UK Limited is acquiring the entities which own and operate the remaining Royal Resorts properties – The Royal Islander® and Royal Uno® All Inclusive Resort & Spa.

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Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, in partnership with Erth Real Estate Company, today announced that it will open three new hotels in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of a new master planned development project.The forthcoming luxury hospitality community will include a 230-key Raffles hotel, a 250-key Sofitel Serviced Residence, and a 60-villa MGallery resort, all set to open by 2027. The multi-faceted community will also include office towers, residential towers, and retail space, all built around a centrally located garden area.
Erth Real Estate Company, the premium real estate developer across Saudi Arabia, is the owner and developer of the 4.2 billion Saudi Riyal mixed-use project at Al Yasmin District and has signed with Accor for hotel management within the two towers of this development. Accor will provide hotel management services and support from several brands within its world-leading brand portfolio.
Raffles Riyadh and Sofitel Extended Stay at Al Yasmin District, both located at King Fahad Road intersecting with King Salman Road and Al Olaya Street, will reside within sparkling glass, 34-storey and 42-storey towers – creating an iconic presence in the city’s skyline. The towers, which will enjoy convenient 18-minute access to King Khalid International Airport by car, will have a clear view of KAFD, New Murabba, Avenues Mall, SAB Tower and Tamkeen Tower. Ample green space, including lush gardens, will also surround both buildings. MGallery Resort Riyadh, only 20 minutes away from Riyadh city center, will be developed in the Al Waseel district, where some luxury private resorts are located, and will be situated in a wadi surrounded by date farms. With 60 low-rise villas, it will be an ideal attraction for families and guests looking for a break from the busy city center and immersion into a vibrant neighborhood of Riyadh.
Speaking at the signing event, Saud Abdullah Al Rajhi, the Group Managing Director of Erth Real Estate stated: “The company’s vision of becoming a preferred real estate brand in Saudi Arabia is fully aligned with leading first-class projects that meet market expectations and unleash the economic potential of the Kingdom. Therefore, Erth is pleased to expand its relationship with Accor by adding new assets to our hospitality portfolio.”
“As part of Accor’s ultra-luxury division, Raffles is honored to soon open a second destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Riyadh,” said Omer Acar, CEO Raffles & Orient Express. “As a brand that is highly selective of the destinations where we choose to develop, we are confident that vibrance and growth surrounding the city of Riyadh is the perfect location to offer our guests the true Raffles experience – one that is celebrated, authentic, and renowned for its legendary service. We look forward to welcoming new guests and those returning as family to Raffles Riyadh.”ADVERTISEMENT“On behalf of both the Sofitel and MGallery brands, we are delighted to contribute to a diverse community of luxury hospitality choices for business and leisure visitors, particularly those who wish to settle in and stay a little longer to enjoy the dynamic energy of the cosmopolitan city of Riyadh,” said Maud Bailly, CEO Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems. “As an ambassador of French culture around the world, Sofitel will bring the art-de-vivre that has been so successful at our two other Sofitel destinations in the Kingdom. Guests will also have the chance to discover the culture and a vibrant neighbourhood at the new MGallery, with the property providing sumptuous resort style villas and the luxury of feeling of a home away from home.”
Erth’s new luxury hotels in Riyadh are being imagined by some of the world’s top designers. The lead architect is Foster + Partners, a global studio for sustainable architecture, urbanism, engineering, and design, founded by Norman Foster in 1967. With offices across the world, the practice works as a single entity that is both ethnically and culturally diverse. Additional consultants will provide expertise on spa, art, technology, and food & beverage.
Erth’s relationship with Accor started a few years ago with a prestigious development in the region – Raffles Hotel and Residences Jeddah – which consists of two towers. In one tower, a world-class luxury hotel; in the other, a stunning set of exclusive private residences, unlike anything Jeddah has known before, set against a rich backdrop of Hejazi culture and tradition.
Since the announcement of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, Erth and Accor have both played a key role in the development of tourism through several existing and upcoming projects in key locations across the Kingdom. Accor has been present in Saudi Arabia for more than 20 years and has contributed to the development of the Holy destination of Makkah, counting over 9,000 rooms with direct access to the Haram.
Within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Accor currently operates 42 properties (16,000+ rooms) and has a robust development pipeline of 34 properties which will add approximately 7,000 rooms to the Group’s portfolio by 2027. Properties expected to arrive in the Kingdom in 2023 include the much-anticipated Raffles Jeddah, Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences Riyadh, Sofitel Riyadh, Movenpick Waad Al Shamal-Turaif and Novotel Makkah Thakher City Residences. Among its Saudi Arabia portfolio, Accor is leading the way with positive hospitality experiences and environmentally sound development and operational practices. The new master-planned community in Riyadh will be developed with ethical, social, and environmental engagement that will contribute to a healthier environment while delivering value to its stakeholders, including the guests of the three new luxury hotels.

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Rotana announced its ambitious pipeline across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) 2023, signing four “Edge by Rotana” and one “Rayhaan by Rotana” property in partnership with Memar Development & Investment, a leading real estate development company specialized in the hospitality development guided by the motto “Developing to enhance life”.
Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO of Rotana, and Eng. Abdulaziz Al Meqren, CEO of Memar Development & Investment, were both present at the official signing of the agreement at FHS’s Global Stage on Tuesday, 9 May 2023.
Commenting on the partnership, Hutchinson said: “Saudi Arabia presents one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, increasingly establishing itself as a leading tourist destination. These new properties located in the heart of Riyadh include a mix of hotels and serviced apartments, offering our guests diverse options to suit their varying needs. We are excited to partner with Memar Development & Investment on this project as we work together to deliver on Rotana’s singular brand promise of delivering ‘Treasured Time’ for all our guests.”
The five new Riyadh properties will add 618 keys to Rotana’s growing portfolio. This is in line with the group’s target of adding triple the number of rooms it currently runs in the Kingdom to 6,000 over the next four years. The new Edge by Rotana properties will be interconnected, operating in synergy to ensure efficient workflow and deliver the ultimate guest experience. The properties will offer guests a range of dining options as well as recreational facilities such as pools, gyms, treatment rooms and more.
Eng. Abdulaziz Al Meqren, CEO of Memar Development & Investment added “We are pleased to sign today with a leading hospitality brand with regional roots such as Rotana. This new development will provide visitors with various experiences gathered in one place. With a variety of dining and recreation facilities being developed across all five properties, residents and visitors of Riyadh will soon have a new place to discover in the city,”ADVERTISEMENTMakram El Zyr, Corporate Vice President – Development for Rotana added: “launched at ATM 2022, Edge by Rotana has seen tremendous development and is on track to reach its target of operating 30 Edge by Rotana properties across the region by 2027. Rotana has, to date, successfully opened three Edge by Rotana-managed hotels in the UAE – Arabian Park and Park Apartments in November 2022, and Damac Hills 2 in February 2023.”

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Conservation-focused luxury travel company &Beyond has announced that one of its most iconic lodges, Phinda Forest Lodge, situated in &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, is due to undergo an extensive rebuild. The property, which was lauded as one of the first true eco-lodges at the time of its construction, will be reimagined within the context of the contemporary luxury safari, while retaining subtle references to its original ‘Zulu-zen’ décor with a new elegant and minimalist interior design.
“&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge was originally built in the early 1990s,” recalls Kevin Pretorius, &Beyond Managing Director for South Africa Lodges. “Back then, the lodge’s innovative and progressive design made a huge statement on sustainability, as it was sensitively constructed within the ancient sand forest with minimum impact at the heart of the project.”Pretorius continues, “Phinda, which started as an amalgamation of denuded farmlands in 1991, has grown into an extensive conservancy at the cutting edge of conservation, a modern example of Care of the Land, Wildlife and People. What was only our second owned and operated lodge following the birth of the company at &Beyond Phinda will now be reborn.”

Interior designers Fox Browne Creative, who have previously worked on the refurbishments of the other five lodges on the reserve, are partnering with architectural designer Jack Alexander to reimagine and bring to life the new Phinda Forest Lodge in a design that will offer past guests the comfort and familiarity of one of their most loved lodges while also providing exciting improvements in room flow and functionality. Nestled inside 1 000 hectares (2 471 acres) of Africa’s last remaining dry sand forest in the north of &Beyond Phinda, the lodge embodies a commitment to minimise the impact on the environment. Its iconic rooms were built in perfect harmony with the existing flow of the forest and their design has stood the test of time. As such, the existing room structures will be used to redefine the new lodge in a way that will continue the legacy with which it was originally built.
“The sand forest is one of Phinda’s most distinctive and delicate habitats. It occurs on deep sands, the leftover fossilised dunes of an earlier coastline,” explains Pretorius. Many of the plant species encountered in sand forest can be found nowhere else on earth. Normally shy mammals such as the red duiker, suni and Tonga red squirrel are often encountered in sand forest, and the area is also rich in birds, with several species restricted solely to this habitat.Due to the sensitivity of the habitat, the lodge refurbishment will utilise existing lodge and room structures to minimise impact associated with an entire rebuild, while also updating the architectural design and taking care not to detract from the essence of the lodge design and its original ‘Zulu-zen’ concept. Throughout the rooms and main guest areas, the interiors will be reimagined with new fixtures and finishes drawing inspiration from the surrounding sand forest, blending aspects of Japanese minimalism with an ode to local culture.ADVERTISEMENT
Elements of the natural forest and Zulu culture will be brought into the room through the use of tactile textures and natural materials such as woven matting, textured grass cloth wallpaper, and hardwood floors, with natural stone tiling in the bathrooms. The intention is to reconfigure the room within the existing structure, creating a more comfortable layout that better utilises the existing space, while maximising the connection to the forest through wide open views.Phinda Forest Lodge has always provided &Beyond guests with an exclusive, private experience immersed in the sand forest, and this will be enhanced through the redirection and reduction of pathways to and from the rooms. In order to assist with the rehabilitation of the old pathways, we have established a nursery which will cultivate sand forest tree species to be planted along the trails.
Major structural additions include a family suite, a library and lounge, a walkway with central fire pit linking the main area to the library, a newly reshaped and tiered pool, and significant upgrades to the main dining and bar areas. In keeping with the other lodges in &Beyond’s portfolio, the family suite will comprise a contemporary designed and decorated standard suite linked to a newly built second bedroom, which can be accessed privately or through an additional linked passageway.A new purpose-built building will contain the library and sitting room, centred around a reading table and double-sided fireplace with surrounding areas for guests to relax. Timber sliding doors will lead to an outdoor deck with its own shaded spaces, nestled among the trees with views of patches of forest and the wetland areas. The interior of the library and sitting room will combine elements of traditional Zulu culture with cosy minimalist elegance. A wooden walkway will seamlessly connect the library to a new pool area, which will include a reshaped and tiered swimming pool designed to maximize the scenic setting and timeless beauty of the sand forest. An all-new massage sala will also be constructed next to the pool.

Other innovative additions will include a central fire pit that will be located between the library and main area, cast out toward the wetland and offering guests the opportunity to indulge in a fireside chat before and after dinner.“We are excited about the refurbishment of one of our most loved lodges, and we hope to welcome guests back to Phinda Forest Lodge as of 1 December 2023,” says Pretorius.“Phinda was where &Beyond’s vision and impact model were born,” he recalls. “Over the years, we have curated a set of unique, immersive experiences born out of this ethos, which guests at Phinda Forest Lodge will continue to have access to. These include experiences focused on the conservation of species such as white and black rhinoceros, as well as Temminck’s ground pangolin, and a unique Zulu Village Tour which allows guests to ethically immerse themselves in traditional Zulu culture.”
Phinda is also uniquely positioned to offer other extraordinary adventure activities like diving or ocean safaris at nearby Sodwana Bay. Depending on the season, guests may also be able to enjoy expeditions to admire turtles nesting along the Indian Ocean coastline.With such a wealth and diversity of unique offerings, combined with the newly refurbished Phinda Forest Lodge, &Beyond are excited to continue bringing their guests experiences that go beyond the expectation of average luxury to leave our world a better place

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