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Belmond announces that Dan Ruff, who has been Chief Operating Officer of the brand since 2018, has been appointed as new CEO, effective 1st July 2023He succeeds Roeland Vos, who has been at the helm of the company for the past eight years. Roeland Vos will continue his role as Chairman of the board of Belmond Ltd and as such will be available to provide support to the organisation on specific projects or advisory topics.
“I’m very pleased to hand over the reins of the company to Dan. I have known him for a very long time. He will provide continuity in the journey for excellence that Belmond is on whilst pushing boundaries. I am convinced that he will succeed in taking the team and the brand to the next level.” Roeland Vos commented.
A proven leader with 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Dan has led Belmond’s strategic focus on operational, commercial and property excellence over the past five years, guiding the teams through the challenges of the pandemic from which Belmond has emerged stronger than ever.
Prior to joining Belmond, Dan held senior roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotel Group across operations, asset management, and mergers & acquisitions, and served on the Supervisory Board ofDesign Hotels AG. He began his career at Credit Suisse First Boston in the investment banking division.
“I’m truly honoured to become CEO of this extraordinary company, with its passionate and genuine people, and legendary properties. Together, we will continue to strive to offer incomparable travel experiences to our guests, and become the world’s most desirable luxury travel brand.” Dan Ruff commented.ADVERTISEMENTDan Ruff will be reporting directly to Stéphane Rinderknech, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Hospitality Excellence. He will continue to be based in London where he lives with his family. Originally from New York, he graduated from the College Scholar program at Cornell University.

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S Hotel Jamaica, the all-inclusive boutique hotel in Montego Bay, and sister property Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston, have been recognized as Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2023 award winners. Celebrating businesses that have consistently received great reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months, these winners are among the top 10% of all global listings. S Hotel Jamaica, listed in the Best of the Best among the top 25 All-Inclusive Hotels in the Caribbean, which is presented annually to those businesses that consistently earn excellent reviews and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
“The Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award is tremendous for not only S Hotel and our sister property Spanish Court but also for Jamaica,” said Ann Marie Goffe-Pryce, General Manager of S Hotel Jamaica. “We are also thrilled that S Hotel received the Best of the Best recognition and was included among the top 25 all-inclusive hotels in the Caribbean, especially after our recent shift to an all-inclusive property. While the hotels ranking among the top percentile is a testament to our warm hospitality, we share this award with our guests — we wouldn’t have won without their rave reviews and repeatedly sharing their wonderful experiences.”
“Congratulations to the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winners,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “The travel resurgence we’ve seen throughout the past year has even further heightened the competition. Earning a Travelers’ Choice Award demonstrates that you have provided great experiences to those who matter most: your guests. With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am continually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt. Cheers to another successful year!”
S Hotel Jamaica welcomes ages 16 and over and offers an array of culinary options, wellness amenities, guest experiences and local excursions, and the 125-room Spanish Court Hotel in Jamaica’s culture capital, features the popular Rojo Restaurant highlighting a variety of Jamaican and international cuisine, The Sky Terrace and Bar with stunning views of the city, and more. Continually adding various offerings to successfully differentiate the properties in this very competitive market and creating a truly memorable experience for their guests is why S Hotel and Spanish Court Hotel are favorites among travelers.

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AlUla‘s hospitality offering is expanding with the news of a new eco-resort AZULIK AlUla.With plans to open by 2027, the sustainability-focused property will have 76 luxury villas.
It is part of the Royal Commission for AlUla‘s (RCU) Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan.It has been designed in harmony with the natural environment and aligns with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.
The AZULIK AlUla Resort is in the Nabatean Horizon District of JTT, tucked into canyons near the AlMutadil Equestrian Village development and Wadi AlFann, an ancient valley that will soon be home to large-scale artworks in the landscape.
As well as the villas, there will be a spa, VIP club, welcome lounges, all-day dining, and a SFER IK museum. With flowing designs inspired by the natural ecosystem and surrounding sandstone cliffs, the resort’s undulating exteriors will utilise natural materials and fibres woven into several layers.
AZULIK AlUla Resort will promote a connection with AlUla’s heritage and the area’s ecology and biodiversity, protecting and incorporating nearby ancient rock art inscriptions, and utilising a natural system of existing waterways to feed irrigation and safeguard against floods.ADVERTISEMENTNo private vehicle traffic will be allowed on-property; instead, an all-electric mobility system will be provided, along with horse and camel routes, and hiking trails for guests to enjoy the surroundings.
Operated by Mexican luxury brand AZULIK and designed by Roth Architecture, the resort will offer elegant accommodations for guests and provide socio-economic benefits for the AlUla community.

Once fully operational, AZULIK AlUla Resort will create more than 300 new jobs. Along with local materials and contractors sought for construction, most operational supplies will be sought from AlUla and wider KSA to further boost regional economic growth.
John Northen, RCU Vice President of Hotels and Resorts, said, “AZULIK AlUla is centred on the concept of sustainability and connection with the natural and human heritage surrounding this magnificent property. Along with its proximity to the AlMutadil Equestrian Village and Wadi AlFann, both under development, this resort is one of several assets contributing to AlUla’s growth as a leading destination in line with our Journey Through Time master plan.”
AZULIK Founder and CEO, Roth, said, “As a tribe, we feel honoured to bring AZULIK’s vision to AlUla. It is with gratitude and profound respect that we embark on a journey into AlUla’s vibrant heritage and culture. Rooted in its unique natural landscape, we begin a project that is both close to our heart and our brand values. These are our first steps together and I’m confident we will walk a beautiful and exciting path.”
Source: Hotelier Middle East

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Apes Hill Barbados, a naturally luxurious golf resort and community, is opening for villa rental stays from winter 2023. The resort will be both a hub for golf enthusiasts and for those seeking the ultimate laid-back luxury lifestyle in a truly remarkable setting, whether that be embracing outdoor pursuits such as trekking or cycling, simply lazing by the pool, or seeking ultimate zen in the resort spa.
Located in the breezy Apes Hill St James, the resort is 1,000ft above sea level on the most easterly island in the Caribbean Archipelago, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea both of which can be seen from the elevated terrain or vistas at Apes Hill. This makes the flagship 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, which opened to members in November 2022, the most elevated course in Barbados, allowing for glorious views at holes 12-15 of not only the Scotland District but also spectacular scenes of the aquamarine Atlantic Ocean.
The resort is committed to providing the ultimate Caribbean authentic luxury lifestyle to its members and guests but also ensuring this is done with sustainability at the forefront of the agenda. Apes Hill is fully independent of Barbados’ water supply for the golf course and landscaping, achieved through harvesting rainwater from rooves, roads, and open spaces to be collected in the property’s reservoir.

The grass used throughout the golf course and amenities is drought resistant resulting in low water consumption. Woven around the golf course is thousands of fruit trees, palm trees, banana trees, breadfruit trees, soursop, cherry trees, even coffee trees, with the goal to use as much local produce as possible to reduce food miles. Apes Hill Barbados strives to reduce its environmental impact wherever possible. ADVERTISEMENTApes Hill Barbados boasts fully furnished villas and homes that blend neatly into the timeless landscape of one of the most beautiful terrains in Barbados, available for purchase or holiday rental, homeowners and resort guests alike have full access to the resort’s amenities such as the golf courses, clubhouse, driving range, racquet centre with padel courts and tiger turf tennis courts, nature trails and spa facilities. 

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HOTEL LOTTE is a global culture and tourism content company with three business units: LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS, LOTTE DUTY FREE, and LOTTE WORLD. Currently, LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS has 33 properties globally, including SIGNIEL SEOUL and LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE. LOTTE WORLD runs five businesses including LOTTE WORLD ADVENTURE, Aquarium, and SEOUL SKY. LOTTE DUTY FREE operates total 21 stores including Guam and Brisbane Airports.
– Heralding the start of HOTEL LOTTE’s 50-year history (1970s)
In 1970, former Korean President Chung-Hee Park entrusted hospitality business to Kyuk-Ho Shin, the founder and former chairman of LOTTE Group. Despite the investment requiring huge capital, Chairman Shin established Hotel LOTTE on May 5th, 1973. After investing 150 million dollars over six years, he presented LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL, which was the largest luxury hotel in Asia at the time, marking the beginning of Korea’s tourism industry.
– Transforming Jamsil, the suburban into a tourist destination (1980s)
In the 1980s, HOTEL LOTTE turned its attention to Jamsil, which was then a suburban of Seoul, and began planning for the country’s first indoor theme park. A total of 454 million dollars were invested over five years, and opened in July 1989 as LOTTE WORLD Adventure. Even ranking as the world’s largest indoor theme park at the time in the Guinness Book of World Records, the total number of visitors since the opening has exceeded 210 million, making it one of Korea’s representative tourist attractions.ADVERTISEMENT
During the Seoul Olympics in 1988, HOTEL LOTTE opened LOTTE HOTEL WORLD in Jamsil. Followed by the opening of LOTTE DUTY FREE in January 1989, HOTEL LOTTE made the neighbourhood a tourist destination.
– Establishing the foundation for economic recovery (1990s-2000s)
Even during the IMF financial crisis of the 1990s, LOTTE DUTY FREE continued to build its infrastructure by opening its flagship stores throughout the country, contributing to economic recovery through tourism. In 1999, the duty-free opening at Gimpo Airport Terminal 1 and 2 was the first in the industry to emphasize brand identity through red uniforms and signage, enhancing the country’s image.
– Spreading K-brand with Korean wave (2010s)
In the early 2000s, LOTTE DUTY FREE launched a campaign to promote Korean tourism by incorporating shopping, tourism, and culture with Korean Wave. The company has been actively engaging in entertainment tourism marketing such as holding customer invitational ‘Family Concerts’ featuring top Korean artists such as Super Junior and BTS, and creating the ‘Star Avenue’, a space full of handprints, photos and videos of celebrities. The Family Concert has attracted a total one million audiences since 2006, promoting K-Brands to tourists worldwide.
In 2017, LOTTE WORLD opened observatory, ‘SEOUL SKY’ in LOTTE WORLD TOWER, which was then the world’s third tallest building (555m), serving as a landmark of Korea.
– Becoming an internationally acknowledged brand with global expansion strategy
Based on the heritage of HOTEL LOTTE in Korea, LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS is the biggest hospitality group in Korea that has globally expanded its businesses initiating with the opening of LOTTE HOTEL MOSCOW in 2010. LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS has received consecutive international awards, such as the five-star rating in the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide for LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE, New York City’s cultural heritage built in 1882, as well as LOTTE HOTEL SEATTLE, LOTTE HOTEL ST. PETERSBURG, and more. The brand value of LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS has been recognized to the extent that it has hosted international events, including the UN General Assembly and the US-Korea Summit. It also has been chosen by former US presidents such as Barack Obama and Donald Trump for their stays at LOTTE New York Palace, and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL.

LOTTE DUTY FREE has also opened five locations in Oceania, and in Jakarta Airport in Indonesia for the first in Korean duty-free industry. LOTTE DUTY FREE Melbourne Airport is scheduled to open in June, and LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS’ L7 WESTLAKE HANOI and LOTTE WORLD AQUARIUM HANOI, are also set to open in August.
Wan-Shin Lee, the CEO of LOTTE Group Hotel HQ said, ” HOTEL LOTTE has been together with the Korean tourism industry’s history over the past 50 years by developing into a global company operating hotels, duty-frees, and theme parks,” adding that “based on the heritage built up to now, we will keep offering contents to enhance customer experience in order to continue to grow as a 100-year company.”

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Wynn Resorts, Limited has announced the name of its new multi-billion-dollar integrated resort, debuting in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Wynn Al Marjan Island. The Company also unveiled the design vision of its first-ever beachfront resort, which is inspired by the tranquil seascape of Al Marjan Island, a group of four islands. The resort is being developed with local partners Marjan LLC, and RAK Hospitality Holding LLC.
Set in a pristine setting overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, Wynn Al Marjan Island rises more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the sea, welcoming visitors to a premium luxury experience, including exceptional entertainment and gaming amenities. For its first project in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, the US-listed developer and luxury resort operator will create a serene and stylish setting that takes inspiration from the stunning sea views and brings the warm, relaxed ocean setting into its modern world-class hotel.
With an estimated project cost of approximately USD 3.9 billion, the iconic silhouette of Wynn Al Marjan Island will transform and accelerate the Emirate’s rise as a major global tourist destination, while also creating substantial value to its economy through tourism and job creation. The project will pave the way for the accelerated growth of allied business sectors. Foundation construction work began onsite earlier this year.
The brand’s signature, high-design opulence will be reflected in its approximately 1,500 lavishly styled rooms, suites and villas. Visitors can look forward to a wide array of entertainment options, a gaming area, 24 dining and lounge experiences, innovative spa and wellness experiences, a high-end shopping esplanade, a state-of-the-art events center, a theater hosting a unique production show, and other amenities. Designed for both longer visits and day trips from neighboring Emirates, the resort will offer abundant and layered experiences including nightly state-of-the-art laser and light shows.
ADVERTISEMENTThe design of Wynn Al Marjan Island takes its inspiration both from the natural landscape surrounding the resort and the leading design aesthetic of Wynn Resorts. The same geometric configuration of the curved shape of the beach on the island is echoed through the podium structure, similar to a great opera house, creating majestic views of the beach, sea and the horizon. Every diner in the abundant restaurant offerings lining the beach-facing promenade at Wynn Al Marjan Island will enjoy sweeping views of the sea.
“We have spent the past year meticulously programming and concepting Wynn Al Marjan Island, carefully considering its unique location,” said Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, “I am incredibly proud of our design and development team’s ability to impart our legacy of rich, thoughtful design into a sun-soaked beachside resort that will delight customers, new and old.  We look forward to opening Wynn Al Marjan Island in early 2027.”
The new resort on Al Marjan Island, a flagship development of Marjan, highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s growing global reputation as a leading investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects. With a rapidly growing portfolio of luxury five-star hotels and residential developments that offer a wide range of amenities and services and boasting over 7.8 kilometers of sparkling beaches and twenty-three kilometers of waterfront, Al Marjan Island is today seamlessly transitioning into a world-class resort destination.
Positioning itself as a sustainable and nature-based destination, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the MENA region. With its well- preserved history, rich archaeological heritage, and nature tourism offerings, the Emirate earned a place on the list of CNN Travel’s best 50 destinations to visit in 2023 and featured on TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places in 2022.

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Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, and Hotel Development, the NEOM division that is responsible for building a future-centric hospitality ecosystem in the developing region, have announced plans for a new luxury resort as part of the NEOM master project, located on Sindalah Island.Extending over an area of approximately 840,000 square metres (9,041,684 square feet), Sindalah is one of a group of islands in the Red Sea that will be developed in NEOM, each according to its unique vision and design. In addition to the upcoming Four Seasons resort, Sindalah will be home to a luxury marina and yacht club, 9-hole golf course with 18 pin experiences and a vast array of dining destinations. It will also host sophisticated cultural events, grand sporting spectacles and glamorous social celebrations throughout the year.
“Four Seasons upcoming resort in NEOM will be a one-of-a-kind project, blending the natural wonders of the Red Sea with the future-forward technologies on which this new, exciting destination is being built,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We are proud to be part of the ambitious vision that our partners at NEOM have for transforming the future of hospitality in the region and look forward to welcoming guests to discover a new part of the Kingdom.”
The Resort will feature 225 guest rooms and suites with terraces overlooking the beaches of the Red Sea, as well as 52 villas with one to four-bedroom configurations with plunge pools and beach views, and with the Presidential and Royal Villas offering private swimming pools, gyms and access to private yacht docks. The Resort architecture is being led by LUCA DINI Design & Architecture, with interiors for guest rooms and public areas by RBTA and LW Design respectively.
“Sindalah follows NEOM’s vision and purpose of mitigating the impact of unchecked urban development, while protecting and regenerating the rich natural capital of the region. In terms of hospitality, our goal is to shape a new frontier for the industry, and Four Seasons is the perfect partner to work alongside towards this,” says Chris Newman, Executive Director, Hotel Development at NEOM. “While NEOM will have something for every kind of traveller, the Resort on Sindalah will be perfect for those looking to rest, relax and explore in the beautiful setting of the Red Sea, while enjoying the service that Four Seasons has built an incredible global reputation on.”
ADVERTISEMENTWhile visiting the Resort, guests can choose from four unique culinary experiences, as well as several lounges, in addition to the other dining options on Sindalah. Four Seasons will also offer an expansive spa experience with varying treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, a hammam and vitality pool. For those looking for an active getaway, guests will have access to a fitness centre, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of water activities such as water skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing and more. An onsite diving centre will allow guests to explore one of the world’s most sought-after diving destinations and discover the abundant marine life and ecosystems that exist within the Red Sea.

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Approximately 3 million radio listeners, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter users across key markets in North America were reached when The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) recently partnered with Sandals Emerald Bay in hosting the second live radio remote of 2023 at the resort in The Exumas. The live radio remotes aimed to reach a wider group of travellers and drive vacationers to The Bahamas.
From April 2-April 3, 2023 radio personalities from 15 radio stations in the U.S. and two from Canada broadcasted live on their popular programs and social media sites about The Islands of The Bahamas and Sandals’ luxury amenities as the ultimate vacation spot.
Hosting media partners provided a grand opportunity for BMOTIA to connect with listeners in various key markets while showcasing The Bahamas as a prime destination for visitors and inspiring travel.
The Exumas, home to the breathtaking Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis & Spa Resort, is one of The Bahamas’ 16 unique island destinations.
The live radio broadcasts aired in New York; Philadelphia; Charlotte; Jacksonville; Orlando; Miami; Washington, DC; Dallas; Atlanta and Toronto.ADVERTISEMENTFollowing the two-day live remotes, the stations ran a minimum of two weeks of on-air and digital promotions.
Sandals also partnered with American Airlines and listeners were given a chance to win one of several luxury 4-day/3-night vacations for two at Sandals complete with American Airlines round trip airfare for two.  45 prize packages were offered to a number of radio stations.
Jeremy Mutton, General Manager of the resort, said, “It is unbelievable the audience that this broadcast reaches. Mutton said the 17 radio stations “garnered total visitors of 3 million, which is huge”. “We are bringing The Bahamas to the listeners’ favorite radio show,” he added.

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