Hotel, Organisations & Operators,

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has confirmed a hotel in the holy city of Madinah as the high-end Canadian operator moves into the world of religious tourism.
The Four Seasons Hotel Madinah will feature 245 keys, two restaurants, a tea lounge, spa, fitness centre, a barber shop and a “curated collection” of retail outlets.
The new-build hotel will be at the heart of the significant Madinah, steps from the Prophet’s Mosque. A week ago, Saudi Arabia said over 4.25 million worshippers and visitors visited the Presidency of the Prophet’s Mosque during the holy week this year.
Four Seasons Hotel Madinah significanceNo opening date has been shared for the property, though, should it open, it will cement Saudi Arabia as one of Four Seasons’ largest markets outside of North America.
The super-exclusive brand tends to only operate a handful of hotels in a country, but in the Kingdom, there could be as many as five hotels. There is the existing Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, resorts headed to both The Red Sea and Diriyah Gate, along with the potential for a location in the untouched AlUla area.ADVERTISEMENT
The upcoming hotel is currently building its opening team, including the important role of general manager.
The GM should have prior experience in either Makkah or Madinah hospitality, along with experience in opening hotels and a strong sense of business development.
Source: Hotelier Middle East

Older
Mark Kirby celebrates Emaar Hospitality’s move into Saudi Arabia

Newer
Holiday Inn Debuts Iconic Design in the Middle East with Opening of Holiday Inn Riyadh More

Sterling Global Financial Group and Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. are pleased to announce their partnership with world-class construction and financing partners for the highly anticipated Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences. With the project well underway and the condominiums over 80% sold, only 22 prime condominium units remain available for sale at this remarkable development.With a long history of successful developments throughout the Caribbean, Sterling Global brings its expertise and financial resources to the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences project. David Kosoy, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sterling Global Financial Group, expressed his confidence in the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to join forces with Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. to bring the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences to fruition. With our investment, we are committed to delivering a world-class destination that exemplifies luxury and unparalleled hospitality. This venture showcases our dedication to enhancing the local community and creating lasting value for our clients and investors.”
The Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences, located on a premium 7.1-acre site on 7 Mile Beach, is set to become a luxurious landmark. The property will offer a total of 190 hotel guestrooms, 88 condo-hotel guestrooms, and 76 one, two, and three-bedroom condo-hotel suites.
The collaboration of world-class firms Americaribe LLC, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, in partnership with LG Contracting as general contractor; Sculptor Real Estate as construction lender; and Sterling Global Financial Group and Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. as developer ensures the highest standards of construction excellence. Construction is well underway with completion on schedule for a mid-2025 opening.
Designed to offer an extraordinary living experience, the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences will feature an extensive range of resort amenities. Residents and guests will have access to six restaurants, three resort-style swimming pools, including an in-ocean saltwater lagoon pool in a protected cove, a 12,000 sq. ft. destination spa and fitness center, and a 25,000 sq. ft. indoor-outdoor conference meeting space. Grand Social Clubs, a variety of shopping boutiques, and five-star concierge service will further enhance the luxurious lifestyle offered by the property.
Tzvi Goder, Director of Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We have enjoyed a strong financial relationship with Sterling over the past several years. We are very excited to now have Sterling as our development partner and look forward to the extensive experience and resources they bring to the Grand Hyatt development.”ADVERTISEMENT

Older
Trip.com sees 145% flight booking surge from US to UK

Newer
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to be the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time More

Chelsea Football Club has unveiled Hilton, the global leader in hospitality, as its official global hotel partner.The partnership will enable Chelsea Football Club and Hilton to provide extended opportunities for Hilton’s more than 158 million Hilton Honors members around the world in a new and unique way, while also serving as the official host to the Chelsea team on the road.
As a pioneer in the industry for more than 100 years, Hilton will welcome Chelsea to its portfolio of hotels as the team’s official home away from home, starting with locations in the United States during the team’s summer tour. Recognizing how much it matters where an elite sports team stays ahead of key fixtures, players and coaches will experience and enjoy Hilton’s world-class service and hospitality.
Building off its high-profile partnerships in the music, sports and entertainment world, Hilton Honors will offer a curated selection of one-of-a-kind experiences, which will kick off during this summer’s pre-season tour and extend into next season’s matches in London. Look out for the Hilton name at Chelsea men’s and women’s matches, and across Chelsea digital channels with special and engaging content for fans to enjoy.
John Rogers, head of global partnerships, Chelsea Football Club, said, “Ahead of our exciting visit to the States in July and August for pre-season tour, we are very pleased to team up with such a prestigious name as Hilton for the future. We are proud to be the first football club to work alongside Hilton and look forward to rewarding their Hilton Honors members, and our fans, in innovative ways.”
Stijn Bastiaens, vice president, strategic partnerships, Hilton, said, “We’re thoroughly looking forward to collaborating with such an esteemed and world-renowned club as Chelsea. Through the partnership we’ll be launching unique content and experiences to our Hilton Honors members, as well as extending the most welcoming Hilton stays to the Chelsea team while they’re travelling on tour.”ADVERTISEMENT

Older
Lufthansa Group Invests in Real-Time Flight Trajectory Technology to Drive Innovation

Newer
Experience a Summer of Adventure and Luxury at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas More

HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, a member of IHG Hotels& Resorts, recently announced its partnership with new brand ambassador – actor Jingting Bai, who will join the brand to convey the elegance and charm of Chinese aesthetics. Along with the announcement, HUALUXE is also launching its ‘Eight refined cultural activities’, to further extends its iconic ‘HUALUXE Gathering’, showcasing the essence of Chinese traditional arts and culture through the timeless, transforming hotels into not only places of accommodation but also platforms for cultural immersion and exchange.
Florence Hu, Chief Marketing Officer, IHG Greater China, said, “Adhering to IHG ‘in China, for China’ commitment and deep understanding of the Chinese market, we made the far-sighted decisions on HUALUXE. As a premium hotel brand tailored for Chinese guests and travelers who appreciate Chinese culture, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts continually creates a unique stay experience that embodies Chinese cultural heritage. With this in mind, we are delighted to be joined by young actor Jingting Bai as our brand ambassador, as his gentle and elegant demeanor perfectly align with the HUALUXE brand. Together, we aim to bring HUALUXE’s Chinese aesthetics to a new generation of travelers, showcasing the charm of Chinese culture.”
Jingting Bai, Brand Ambassador of HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, said, “I am thrilled to become the brand ambassador for HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts. In HUALUXE Hotels, the essence of Chinese culture permeates every aspect, from the refined experiences of dining and seasonal transitions to the captivating moments. Join me at HUALUXE to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Chinese aesthetics.”
Embracing Chinese Aesthetics at HUALUXE
Since its establishment in 2012, HUALUXE has been dedicated to providing guests with a premium hotel experience rich in Chinese cultural characteristics. Upholding the brand’s philosophy of integrating Chinese aesthetics into daily life, HUALUXE aims to create an immersive cultural experience rooted in Chinese beauty, encompassing aspects of clothing, food, accommodation, and HUALUXE Gathering.ADVERTISEMENT
Clothing: Visually Showcasing Chinese Elegance
In collaboration with Chinese fashion designer GRACE CHEN, HUALUXE has created a series of new staff uniforms inspired by Chinese cultural aesthetics. The modern designs embody both elegance and resilience, showcasing the beauty of the East in every gesture and conveying the allure of Chinese heritage to guests.
Food: Experiencing Chinese Etiquette Centered around ‘eat’ and ‘meet’
HUALUXE has developed a deep understanding of the habits of Chinese travelers, and accordingly offers opportunities for ‘eat’ and ‘meet’ through unique culinary and social experiences. As the partner of the popular TV series ‘Destined’ featuring brand ambassador Jingting Bai, HUALUXE offering themed Chinese afternoon tea which presenting the unique charm of Chinese cuisine through handmade tea snacks. Individual hotels are taking this further, with HUALUXE Xi’an Chanba bringing nationally acclaimed senior tea artist, who also is the long-spout teapot performers, to showcase Chinese tea culture. HUALUXE Shanghai Changfeng Park is introducing the fusion afternoon tea, incorporating Chinese exclusive flavors of tea, soy milk, and traditional Shanghai yogurt into Western-style desserts. HUALUXE Kunshan Huaqiao offers a Kunqu Opera-themed afternoon tea, where guests can experience traditional Chinese cuisine and culture in the brand’s distinctive social space, ‘LUXE Tea’.
Accommodation: Conveying Elegance with Chinese Aesthetics
HUALUXE’s revamp its design and architecture features embodies the beauty of Chinese traditional craftsmanship and color palettes through the concept of ‘One stay, one heritage’. The signature F&B highlights the taste and beauty of Chinese culinary culture. Gardenesque scenes showcase the essence of traditional Chinese garden architecture in a natural and relaxed manner, while the spatial sequence presents the aesthetics of traditional indoor architecture. HUALUXE Gathering, meanwhile, conveys the elegance of Chinese social spaces and etiquette. These design features combine to comprehensively present the experience of Chinese aesthetics to guests. Chinese elements further pervade every detail of the stay experience, as HUALUXE collaborated with Chinese ink brush artist Jiu Chen, to incorporates classical Chinese opera into room amenities, including keycards, umbrellas, and paper bags, offering guests a distinctive of Chinese art throughout their surroundings.
HUALUXE Gathering: Offering Immersive Experiences of Chinese Culture into daily life
HUALUXE has meticulously created the exclusive “HUALUXE Gathering” to bring Chinese aesthetics and cultural heritage to life. In February, HUALUXE has partnered with QQ Music to present a captivating HUALUXE Gathering livestream concert on QQ music. HUALUXE Nanjing Yangtze River hosted the ‘HUALUXE Gathering’ World Book Day event, inviting guests to enjoy tea, read books, and share the everyday moments of a Chinese aesthetic lifestyle. The ‘Eight refined cultural activities’ serves as a continuation of the HUALUXE Gathering philosophy, allowing guests to experience the essence of Chinese culture on a deeper level. Through immersive experiences such as tea ceremonies, chess matches, musical performances, gardening, savoring the sound of rain, calligraphy, and literary pursuits, guests could appreciate Chinese aesthetics together with fellow enthusiasts.
HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts currently offers a total of 20 hotels in operation and 22 hotels under construction in the Greater China region. Newly opened hotels include the HUALUXE Nanjing Yuhua, HUALUXE Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, and HUALUXE Guiyang Financial City, covering popular cities and vacation destinations. In the future, HUALUXE will maintain steady development, delving into traditional Chinese culture while bringing an engaging experience of Chinese aesthetics to more destinations.

Older
IHG Hotels & Resorts extends partnership with Pride in London for second year

Newer
TUI ANNOUNCES ANT & DEC AS THEIR ‘HAPPINESS AMBASSADORS’ More

Belmond, the visionary leader in luxury travel, has entered into a management agreement with Cora Pacific Development, led by entrepreneur duo Barbara Machen and Rosetta Getty, for Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.Designed by a team of interior maestros, with curation by creative director Getty, Milaroca will be consciously and sensitively built from the ground up. 
The signing of an agreement to manage Milaroca further strengthens Belmond’s commitment to Mexico, with its reach now extending to the country’s western region. Milaroca will join two other Belmond properties in Mexico – Casa de Sierra Nevada, a former convent built in 16th century located in the country’s heartland of San Miguel de Allende, and the reimagined Maroma in Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula which will reopen its doors this August following a complete renovation.
“We have the incredible opportunity to craft a legend of the future with the best partners we could have asked for,” said Roeland Vos, President & CEO of Belmond. “With utmost respect to Riviera Nayarit’s multicultural history, abundant nature and the region’s carefree spirit, Milaroca will encapsulate the essence of contemporary lifestyle, creating a destination for today’s thriving creative community – a new legendary scene where new traditions are made, and long-lived rituals are celebrated.”
Barbara Machen and Rosetta Getty said of the announcement, “Our families have been traveling together to this beautiful area of Mexico for many years. As entrepreneurs and creatives ourselves we understand the importance of the destination that inspire, and we want to share our magical experience; a place for connection, to be returned to year after year, enjoyed by family, friends and peers from around the world, a true home away from home. Milaroca will be like no other resort, and Belmond is the only hospitality brand that truly creates unique luxury experiences in this way. We could not have asked for a better partner.” 
CONSCIOUSLY CRAFTED HOUSES ADVERTISEMENTImmersed in lush mountainous jungle and pearly-white beach stretching over 2 kilometers along Riviera Nayarit, Milaroca will be a new haven for creative minds. Led by Waldo’s Designs and Clements Design, the property’s aesthetic will draw inspiration from the region’s breathtaking beauty, storied native culture, and the bohemian spirit of nearby San Pancho and Sayulita villages.
Milaroca will adopt low-density and non-invasive building practices. Each of the 57 guest pavilions will be a welcoming discovery with a unique collection of contemporary custom-made furniture and crafted objects from local artisans and Mexico’s most exciting contemporary artists. Every detail will be carefully considered, with interiors maintaining an intuitive symbiosis with the outdoor spaces and surrounding jungle.
CURATED CREATIVE COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL CALENDAR OF CELEBRATIONS

Milaroca will be a buzzing unique scene for curious minds interested in the latest movements in art, fashion and music: a progressive space for tastemakers, visionaries, and artisans to come together to exchange dialogues and ignite new ideas. Guests will connect with the cultures of the Riviera Nayarit through on- and off-site programming.

Milaroca will bring together the most interesting multi-disciplinary individuals with events, galas and global festivities, drawing inspiration from the cultures of celebrations and rituals rooted in the Cora and Huichol communities. Hosted by Milaroca’s founders, the seasonal soirees – from the New Year’s Eve celebration to the annual summer party, promise to make headlines around the world.

AN INVITATION TO BE PART OF THE LEGEND: PRIVATE VILLAS AT MILAROCA
Milaroca will introduce a “by invitation-only” opportunity to own one of 27 uniquely-designed private villas serviced by Belmond. These villas will be part of a thriving creative community and will enjoy Milaroca’s coveted facilities, vibrant cultural programming and the in-residence service and experiences crafted by Belmond’s unrivaled hospitality – centered in warmth, attentiveness, intimacy and personalization.

Older
QANTAS GROUP GEARS UP FOR BUSY END TO FY23

Newer
WIZZ AIR INAUGURATES ITS NEW FLIGHT BETWEEN PRAGUE AND YEREVAN More

Marriott International, Inc., has announced that it has signed an agreement with Delaware Investment Limited to open its first JW Marriott luxury safari lodge in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Expected to open in 2026, the lodge will be situated within the Serengeti National Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most renowned safari destinations in Africa, home to endless plains, the incredible Great Migration, and some of the largest herds on the planet.
JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge is expected to offer 30 private suites, including two presidential suites, all of which will benefit from their own swimming pool and deck area. Additionally, extensive food, beverage and meeting facilities are planned.
JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge will sit between the Grumeti and Mbalageti rivers, benefitting from the abundant wildlife that accesses the rivers to the north and south alongside stunning views of the plains surrounding the lodge. The Serengeti National Park is an important wildlife conservation and wilderness area in sub-Saharan Africa spanning 5,700 miles². It is the starting point of one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles – the Great Migration, which involves millions of animals traveling a distance of 1,800 miles from Serengeti into the neighboring Masai Mara between June and September. The “Big Five,” including lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and African elephant can also be found in Serengeti.
“We are delighted to partner with Delaware Investment Limited for this landmark project in the Serengeti, an exciting new destination for the brand, which also signifies our growing commitment to offering enriching experiences for our guests,” said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP, Brand Portfolio Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International.
Serengeti is located approximately 660 kilometers north-west of Dodoma in Tanzania, sharing a border with Kenya. The closest and easiest way to reach the camp is from the Grumeti airstrip, located a 25-minute drive from the site. International visitors can access the lodge from Kilimanjaro International Airport followed by a domestic flight to an airstrip in Serengeti or an eight-hour drive with scenic views of the vast savannas and wildlife along the route.ADVERTISEMENT“It’s a very exciting moment for us to be able to collaborate with Marriott International to debut such a prestigious brand in one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world,” said Rishen Patel, Owner of Delaware Investment Limited.
JW Marriott Serengeti Lodge will mark the brand’s second luxury safari lodge in Africa, following the opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge earlier this year in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Marriott International currently operates more than 120 properties in Africa across its portfolio.

Older
ISLAND WATERPARK-WORLD’S LARGEST INDOOR BEACHFRONT WATERPARK-OPENS

Newer
Avani Hotels & Resorts Makes a Double Debut in Europe More

Anyone for a round of golf? With flexible work arrangements on the rise, people are redefining where, when and how they do their best work. Free from eight-hour days in the office, schedules now bend and flex, creating new opportunities to balance work with play. Enter the Wyndham Rewards® Cubicle Caddie, a first-of-its kind tricked out golf cart helping avid golfers worry less about being away from their desk this summer and more about missing par.
Caddies are known for being the ultimate wingmen in the game of golf, helping players unlock their full potential while always having their back in tricky and unexpected situations. The Wyndham Rewards Cubicle Caddie does the same, providing golfers with the tools they need to knock out that unavoidable Zoom call before effortlessly returning their focus to the game. With a retractable green screen, detachable desk, 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, noise cancelling headphones, wrinkle-free blazer and more—there’s no better office-on-the-go. The Cubicle Caddie even comes with a built-in escape button —think a barking dog, crying baby or an interrupting co-worker— that golfers can trigger with just one press, letting colleagues know it’s time to wrap the call.
The Wyndham Rewards Cubicle Caddie comes at a time when weekday afternoon golf is on the rise—a recent Stanford study showed a 278% increase in Wednesday afternoon play last year vs. 2019—and is endorsed by avid golfer and entrepreneur Jason Tartick. Best known for his popular business podcast, ‘Trading Secrets’ and bringing his Buffalo charm to the Bachelor franchise, Tartick offers pointers for mixing work and play successfully.
“Don’t think of it as blowing off work—think of it as blowing off steam so you can focus on the day’s to-do list feeling refreshed and recharged,” said Tartick. “As a veteran corporate banker and entertainment personality, I know balancing business and pleasure has always been par for the course. That’s the beauty of The Wyndham Rewards Cubicle Caddie. Whether you’re waiting to tee off or just coming through the turn, it makes the switch from play to work and back again easier than ever before. It’s a hole-in-one.”
“We know our members are spending less time in the office and more time working from unconventional places and so, the Cubicle Caddie was born,” said Dana Rosenberg, SVP Marketing, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Golf is a much-needed escape for so many and now, thanks to the Cubicle Caddie, our members can take advantage of that escape without worrying about what to do should the office come calling. Best of all, at no extra cost to use, it’s just one more way Wyndham is rewarding members this summer.”ADVERTISEMENTThe Wyndham Rewards Cubicle Caddie is available at select golf courses this summer, just ahead of the 2023 Wyndham Championship. Participating hotels and resorts—all of which are part of Wyndham’s newly launched Golf Collection—are:
Cheyenne Mountain Resort, A Dolce by Wyndham (Colorado Springs, CO)Grandover Resort & Spa, a Wyndham Grand Hotel (Greensboro, NC)Club Wyndham Orange Tree Resort (Scottsdale, AZ)Club Wyndham Palm-Aire (Pompano Beach, FL)Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort (Rio Grande, PR)Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ Golf Collection encompasses more than 40 hotels and resorts situated on some of the most picturesque and pristine greens around the world and is the perfect complement to the Company’s growing portfolio of all-inclusive, lifestyle, upscale and luxury offerings around the globe. Through September 30, 2023, Wyndham Rewards members can take advantage of special savings on two-night, three-day stay packages for two, complete with complimentary rounds of golf, range buckets and breakfast at select Golf Collection properties.
The Cubicle Caddie hits the green starting today and is available upon request when booking a tee time and renting a golf cart, at no extra cost to Wyndham Rewards members. For more information, including terms and conditions on the above promotion, visit www.wyndhamrewards.com/caddie.

Older
OCEAN PRIME LAS VEGAS NOW OPEN ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP

Newer
An interactive multimedia experience inspired by Leo Messi’s career will be on Tour around the world More

In celebration of the Summer solstice, Sandals Resorts announces its very first Stargazing Concierge at the completely reimagined Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The luxury all-inclusive resort company is inviting guests to embrace this planetary new offering included with a stay in the resort’s new Coyaba Sky Villa Swim-up Rondoval Suites.The recently debuted Sandals Dunn’s River ushers in a new era of hospitality and many ‘Sandals Firsts,’ including the brand’s first open-air rooftop suites complete with state-of-the-art telescopes to now the debut of Sandals’ first Stargazing Concierge. Guests who reserve a stay in a Coyaba Sky Villa Swim-up Rondoval Suite for travel beginning July 1, 2023, will be met with their very own Stargazing Concierge, a complimentary new Butler service offering. Upon request, the Stargazing Concierge will arrange bespoke stargazing experiences for couples to enjoy on their private rooftops. Beyond creating a romantic respite under the stars, the Stargazing Concierge will also help guests identify constellations and meteor activity in the Caribbean sky. To commemorate their trip, Sandals is providing couples staying in the villas with a complimentary custom star map of their personal stargazing experience, created by The Night Sky.*
The innovative new stargazing service offered by Sandals is research backed. Earlier this year, a recent survey conducted by the Sandals Institute of Romance cited that the vast majority of couples (80%) want to prioritize romance this year, with beach vacations (67%) and secluded places (57%) being the preferred settings for connection.
“We are constantly listening to our guests and looking for additional ways to give them that ‘stellar’ stay,” says Deryk Meany, General Manager at Sandals Dunn’s River. “Creating the perfect cozy Caribbean evenings – from moonlit cocktails to wine and cheese pairings to decadent dessert offerings under a canopy of stars, creates a new moment to relax and connect while staying with us.”

Offering unmatched views of the Ocho Rios skyscape, the Coyaba Sky Villa Rondoval Suites reinvent the state of romance and luxury with private soaking tubs, a sun-lounging area, and direct access to a sprawling river pool. Guests checking in to Sandals Dunn’s River will also delight in 12 Global Gourmet™ restaurants – with 10 concepts entirely new to the Sandals brand – as well as nine bars, including Dunn’s Rum Club, where the island’s signature libation is shaken and stirred into authentic, expertly mixed craft cocktails. Located on a stunning stretch of white sand beach, the 260-room resort welcomes guests to a remarkable luxury all-inclusive experience on Jamaica’s north coast.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information and to book a stay, visit: www.sandals.com/stargazing-concierge/.
Sandals Resorts were voted the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2022 at the World Travel Awards and have excelled in these prestigious awards for the past 25 years continuously.

Older
David Salcfas Joins Hard Rock Hotel New York as General Manager

Newer
Four Seasons Egypt Invites Travellers to Take a Fresh Look at the World’s Most Enduring Destination More