Hotel, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, Amaala and The Red Sea, has today announced a partnership with leading longevity clinic and wellness brand, Clinique La Prairie.The partnership involves the development of a high-end 36,115 sqm Clinique La Prairie Health Resort within Amaala, which is located on Saudi Arabia’s north-western coastline. The exclusive resort will offer 13 villas, as well as housing 52 rooms and suites.
“Clinique La Prairie’s world-renowned facilities and health and wellness experiences, set against Saudi Arabia’s extraordinary natural landscapes, will take our visitors on transformative personal journeys inspired by arts, wellness, and the purity of the Red Sea. The resort’s subtle beauty – a product of Islamic architecture and modern craftmanship – will deliver a serene place in which to unwind, meditate and rejuvenate,” said John Pagano, Group CEO, Red Sea Global.
Exceptional architecture
Clinique La Prairie’s approach to wellbeing prioritizes longevity. This is symbolized by the central “Longevity Plaza” leading to four distinctive areas of the resort corresponding to each one of the property’s pillars – medical care, nutrition, movement and wellbeing. These sections will host a vast array of activities and facilities, including all the latest technologies developed over 90 years by Clinique La Prairie to enable clients to live a longer, healthier, and fuller life.
The resort also features a diagnostics lab, museum, beach club, workshop and training rooms, private dining space, and even a cooking school, ensuring visitors can embark on an inimitable journey of rejuvenation and self-discovery.ADVERTISEMENT
Landscaping around the property is vital to architect John Heah’s vision for the resort. Idyllic gardens are used to establish a sense of place and tranquility and add to the connected journey for visitors.
Taking guests to a new state of mind
Clinique La Prairie has a unique approach to wellbeing, combining leading preventative medicine, genetics and epigenetics with bespoke lifestyle and nutrition plans always grounded in the latest sciences.  Using the CLP Longevity MethodTM, medical specialists and holistic experts will provide guests with highly personalized revitalizing, immune-boosting and transformative itineraries over one week or longer stays, to embrace health and life to its fullest potential.
The clinic’s expert will work to slow time, as well as restore visitors’ internal balance and remedy a wide range of conditions, including fatigue, anxiety, digestive disorders, insomnia, diabetes and more. Cutting-edge science and ancient healing practices combine to offer holistic practices.
Clinique La Prairie will offer synergistic treatments to rejuvenate inside and out. The medical pillar will include advanced diagnostics lab and radiology, physio, neuroscience, dermo, aesthetics, and dentistry. On the wellbeing side the destination will provide cryochamber, hyperbaric suites, IV infusion and a series of next-generation therapies to be unveiled, all of which contribute to Amaala’s standing as a distinctive wellness destination.

Respecting surrounding environments
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Amaala, with the entire destination set to be powered by 100% renewable energy. Respect for flora and fauna also runs through every aspect of the resort’s design. For instance, Amaala’s buildings have been brought around 100 meters back from the coastline to avoid interference with the natural habitat of the Red Sea’s fragile turtle populations. Lighting is also carefully used to protect the night sky and limit the impact of artificial light on wildlife.
Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie, stated: “At Amaala, we are creating the most important Health and Longevity-focused resort ever developed. We’re delighted to be building our very first full-scale destination in such an extraordinary setting and to help bring Red Sea Global’s vision of regenerative, ultra-luxury tourism to life.”

Phase one of the destination is well underway and expects to welcome its first guests in 2024. It will consist of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,300 hotel keys.
Upon completion, Amaala will be home to more than 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels, and approximately 900 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, alongside high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities.

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Collective Retreats, a pioneer in outdoor experiential hospitality, has announced a partnership with NEOM to open a next generation, ultra- sustainable retreat in Trojena, the snow-capped mountain destination located in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Slated to open at the start of 2026, Collective Trojena will re-imagine the outdoor hospitality experience – offering guests unprecedented access to discover and explore the region’s spectacular and incomparable beauty located 50km from the Gulf of Aqaba.The retreat will feature approximately 60 open-air guest rooms and innovative meeting space concepts as well as dramatic water features, communal campfires and inspired culinary experiences, evoking the intrepid spirit of the Collective Retreats brand while showcasing a masterstroke blend of natural and developed landscapes. Collective Trojena will also offer direct access to the development’s full array of year-round and world-class outdoor activities including skiing and snowboarding, high altitude training, paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, and water sports as well as culture-forward programming around film, art, music, and food.
“We founded Collective Retreats with the singular goal of changing the way people travel. We want travelers to see the world with renewed curiosity and a greater appreciation for conservation of the extraordinary natural beauty that surrounds us,” said Collective Retreats CEO and Founder Peter Mack. “Trojena provides the ultimate backdrop to achieve this mission in ways we never imagined. In addition to giving a global audience a new perspective on this spectacular mountain setting, we are committed to demonstrating that luxury travel should not be extractive and it’s possible to both preserve the environment and deliver extraordinary guest experiences.”
Set within NEOM, Trojena is paving the way for the next frontier in sustainability by powering the mountain destination with a combination of solar and wind energy, while developing technology in water desalination and brine processing to achieve zero waste residual.
“Since its inception, Collective Retreats has been lauded for its innovative thinking and passionate commitment to sustainability making them the ideal partner for the Trojena NEOM project,” said Philip Gullett, Executive Director and Region Head at Trojena. “Collective Retreats will be outstanding stewards of this new outdoor retreat experience in Trojena and will perfectly complement the environmental and sustainability principles and practices that are at the core of the NEOM project.”
The partnership marks the latest agreement between a prominent brand and NEOM’s Hotel Development division which is responsible for building a future-centric hospitality ecosystem in the region.ADVERTISEMENT“Collective Retreats has a well-earned reputation for connecting guests to the most spectacular natural settings, in ways that few others have done before, while staying true to its core values of conservation and sustainability. With Trojena, and NEOM overall being home to some of the most breath-taking landscapes, we’re thrilled to have selected a partner that shares our ambition to forge a new path for our industry, one that’s characterized by travelers living with nature,” added Chris Newman, Executive Director, Hotel Development at NEOM.
Collective Trojena is among several new projects the brand plans to announce in 2023.
For more information, please visit https://www.collectiveretreats.com/trojena/.

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IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced an exciting new signing in London, UK, for its upscale boutique brand Hotel Indigo.Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherds Bush will be one of the brand’s flagship London properties due to its individual design and superb location and has been signed in partnership with the Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company.
Due to open in Spring 2025, Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherds Bush will be the sixth Hotel Indigo in London. With 252 stylish bedrooms, the brand-defining property will undergo a significant refurbishment and will feature a distinctive new design with an exquisite destination restaurant and bar – the true hub of the hotel – plus a boutique spa with hydrotherapy pool and state-of-the-art business facilities and function rooms. Just like no two neighbourhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, and guests will also benefit from the reassurance of booking with a global hotel group.
All Hotel Indigo properties provide a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring localities. Shepherds Bush is a thriving West London neighbourhood with excellent transport links to central London. Local attractions include Westfield London and the re-purposed Television Centre (the former BBC headquarters) in White City; Holland Park with its open-air theatre programme, Portobello Road’s eclectic market and trendy Notting Hill with its art house cinemas and independent shops.Hotel Indigo is the world’s first globally branded boutique hotel brand and in Europe alone, boasts 41* open hotels with a further 16* in the planning stages. Each Hotel Indigo operates under the ethos ‘to serve the curious’, providing an immersive hospitality experience in a lively neighbourhood location. From the design of the property through to the menus, each hotel draws on the story of its local area.
(Mrs) Willemijn Geels, VP Development Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to have added Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherds Bush to our ever-growing UK portfolio. As one of IHG’s luxury & lifestyle brands, Hotel Indigo is continuing to grow in popularity, and this is reflected in the interest we are seeing from owners and investors.”
Mr Fergus Stewart, CEO Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company, said: “The signing of Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherds Bush is a wonderful moment, and we look forward to collaborating closely with our partner IHG Hotels & Resorts. The hotel will be in a prime West London location, and we look forward to making the hotel a destination in itself.”ADVERTISEMENTEstablished in 2004, Hotel Indigo is IHG’s upscale boutique brand which now has a presence globally with 143* open hotels and over 119* hotels in the pipeline. The brand is set to double its portfolio presence over the next three to five years and continue its growth as one of the largest boutique brands.

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Rising high above the Victorian bluestone walls, and perched directly inside them, TFE Hotel’s contemporary new Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne has been deliberately designed to contrast and complement the 170-year-old heritage site-turned-modern-lifestyle-precinct.
TFE’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Sedgwick, said he had no doubt destination Pentridge would go from strength-to-strength with the signing of anchor tenants including BrewDog and Palace Cinema, and now the soft opening of TFE’s 106-room apartment-style hotel, ahead of its official launch in autumn.
“Right now, the finishing touches are being put on Olivine wine bar, North & Common bistro, and nine bespoke conferencing and events venues, collectively known as Chapter Place which, as a collective, will be transformative for the wider Pentridge lifestyle precinct when they open in May,” he said.
A Contemporary Hotel in an Historical Setting
According to General Manager, Jesse Kornoff, building a contemporary hotel on an historic site (adjacent to the former B Division) presented a unique set of challenges. The contemporary Adina tower took almost two years to construct with builders carefully monitoring Pentridge’s famous bluestone walls to ensure they didn’t move an inch as the three-level basement was built.ADVERTISEMENTThe modern-day Adina Hotel features built-in solar panels, the use of recycled concrete in the build, and a rainwater tank recycling system. The additional use of specialty high-tech glass that reacts with daylight to break down dirt, means the facade only needs cleaning every 12 to 24 months.
“For the eco-conscious, we also have EV charging stations in the basement, we’re close to trams, trains and buses for those that want to make the 20-minute commute into Melbourne’s CBD, and we have plenty of pedestrian and bike trails onsite,” Kornoff says.
Each of the Adina’s 106 one and two-bedroom and studio apartments offer generous living spaces and kitchen amenities and boast individual climate control and balconies.  Whilst mini bars feature local suppliers including Coburg’s own Koko Black, alongside Tyrrell’s chips, Mountain Goat Beers, Hepburn Water and Taltarni Pyrenees Cabernet Sauvignon.
As GM, Kornoff will oversee the hotel, events, food and beverage and experience offerings in B Division – perched a very convenient 20 minutes from the CBD and the international airport – whilst Executive Assistant Manager, Alex Bilenki, will oversee hotel operations at the Adina. Bilenki is no stranger to operations, having worked for Accor and, most recently, Mt Lofty House.
“The hotel, adjoining the soon-to-open Olivine Bar, has a beautiful lobby featuring striking art by local artists; offers easy access to the precinct’s dining and entertainment venues; is close to the Merri Creek green belt with bike and walking trains; has plenty of onsite parking and easy access to public transport; and is perfectly positioned for MICE and leisure guests with four traditional meetings spaces,” she said. “It’s also ideally situated to soak up the local culture, eateries, parks, and modern art galleries including The Heide and Division Gallery.”
New Additions to Melbourne’s Newest Dining and Entertainment PrecinctSedgwick says the experience-led event offering; knowledgeable onsite team; and high-tech National Trust tours of the historic site, will combine to make both Chapter Place and Adina Pentridge a highly sought after leisure and MICE destination.
Whilst North & Common restaurant – with Melbourne Chef, Thomas Woods, at the helm – and the moody and decadent Olivine wine bar – with bluestone interiors and an equally impressive wine list – will elevate the precinct offering and provide a unique space for hotel guests, locals, and visitors to enjoy when they open in autumn.
Sneak Peek At A One-Of-A-Kind Urban Retreat
But that’s not all that’s been hiding behind the bluestone walls with TFE Hotels today announcing the launch of a 19-room, experience-led urban retreat, The Interlude, opening in May 2023.
“The Interlude is an urban retreat-style experience, the likes of which has never-before-been-seen in Australia, and one of only a handful of prison hotel conversions in the world,” Sedgwick said. “Guests will stay in converted-cell suites which have been transformed by modern design and architecture into calming spaces.
“And, when they’re not in their room, they’ll be able to immerse themselves in the flavours, colours, and stories of Coburg’s creative arts community through curated programs, or self-guided visits to the precinct’s onsite art gallery which displays resident and emerging local artists.”
Uniquely Melbourne experiences, such as exploring the evolution of Victoria’s wine region over time and, indeed, the wine in the bottle with our Time Travel with Wine experience with Sommelier Liinaa Berry; or learning how to roll a truffle with Coburg Chocolatier, Koko Black.  Guests can also unwind in a candlelit underground relaxation pool or the retreat’s private garden.
“And drawing on the heritage of the site, guests will be invited to take a seat at the long table in the Reflection Garden, surrounded by bluestone walls, to hear the tales of the past and find out what makes the creative community so special today,” Sedgwick says.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest football players of all time, known for his incredible skill, speed, and precision on the pitch. But off the field, Ronaldo has also established himself as a savvy businessman, with a number of investments in various industries.One of his most successful ventures is the Pestana CR7 hotel chain, a collaboration with the Pestana Group, which has properties in several cities around the world.
The idea for the Pestana CR7 hotel chain came about when Ronaldo and the CEO of the Pestana Group, Dionisio Pestana, met in 2015.
The two men hit it off and began discussing the possibility of a hotel chain that would combine Ronaldo’s star power with Pestana’s experience in the hospitality industry. Ronaldo said –
In my opinion, he’s the best guy to do business with in Portugal…He’s from Madeira too, so it was a good partnership. He has the experience, not just in Portugal but all over the world…Dionisio is the number one and I’m the number one in football so, we have everything.
ADVERTISEMENTThe first Pestana CR7 hotel opened in Ronaldo’s hometown of Funchal, Madeira, in July 2016, and it has since expanded to locations in Lisbon, Madrid, and New York.
As the hotels are completely operated by the Pestana group, they have everything you would want in a hotel.
Keeping in trend with the rest of the Pestana Group, Pestana CR7 hotels focus on technology and innovation.
Each hotel features state-of-the-art amenities, including virtual reality headsets, smart mirrors, and interactive walls. The hotels also incorporate a number of sustainable features, such as energy-efficient lighting and water-saving systems.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo involved in the day-to-day running of the Pestana CR7 hotel chain?In addition to his role as a co-owner of the hotel chain, Ronaldo is also heavily involved in the design and marketing of the properties.
He worked closely with the Pestana Group’s design team to create the distinctive aesthetic of the hotels, which incorporates sleek lines, bold colours, and a modern, urban vibe.
Ronaldo also serves as the face of the brand, appearing in promotional materials and marketing campaigns for hotels everywhere. He was also present at the opening of all CR7 hotel openings.
But Ronaldo’s involvement in the Pestana CR7 hotel chain goes beyond just lending his name and image to the brand.
He is also a hands-on investor, with a lot of money riding in the business.
The hotel chain is a joint venture between Ronaldo and the Pestana Hotel Group, with the football star holding a 50% stake in the venture.
According to reports, Ronaldo has invested around €40 million into the project, which shows his commitment to the venture.
The investment has allowed the chain to expand and open new properties in several cities, including Madrid and Marrakesh, and there are plans for further expansion in the future.
He has also been known to make surprise visits to the properties, check in with staff and guests, and offer feedback on everything from the food to the decor.

The success of the Pestana CR7 hotel chain is a testament to Ronaldo’s vision and business acumen. The brand has been recognized with a number of awards and accolades, including Portugal’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel and Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel by World Travel Awards in 2020.
The hotels have also received rave reviews from guests, who praise the high-quality amenities, stylish design, and exceptional service.
What’s next for Ronaldo x Pestana group after successful hotel chain?But Ronaldo’s partnership with the Pestana Group goes beyond just the hotel chain. Ronaldo and Pestana have now announced a new project – Pestana Residences CR7.
This marks Pestana’s entry into the real estate category as they seek to build 88 apartments in Ronaldo’s hometown of Madeira.
This will also be a 50-50 partnership between Ronaldo and Pestana and includes around a 50 Million Euros investment. The residences will be built on a plot of land already owned and managed by Ronaldo at Praia Formosa.
Ronaldo’s involvement in the Pestana CR7 hotel chain and other ventures with the Pestana Group demonstrates his commitment to entrepreneurship and his ability to translate his success on the pitch into success off the field.
With his monetary investment, marketing powerhouse, and design inspiration, he is not just an ambassador for the brand – he is making the brand.
Source: Thickaccent.com

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Spring break is just around the corner, and the warm spring sunshine and heated five-acre waterpark beckons families to enjoy an unforgettable getaway at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Recognized as the No. 1 Best Hotel and No. 1 Best Resort in Walt Disney World according to U.S. News & World Report, marking the ninth consecutive year of being awarded a top ranking, the Resort offers incredible activities for kids of all ages and rejuvenating relaxation for parents.Nestled within 26 sprawling acres of lush Florida woodlands and tranquil lakeside scenery, in addition to the waterpark with lazy river, splash zone, and water slides, Four Seasons Orlando features an all-day complimentary kids club, the only adult pool within Walt Disney World Resort, Michelin-starred rooftop Capa Steakhouse and much more.
Fun In The SunGuests of all ages will enjoy discovering “Explorer Island,” the Resort’s expansive water park featuring a winding lazy river with cascading waterfalls, a gradually sloping zero entry family pool, an interactive splash zone, two exhilarating water slides and more. Teens will stay entertained at “The Hideout” featuring the latest gaming systems such as virtual reality, multi-player PAC-MAN, interactive video table games and more. A multi-purpose turf court and basketball court provide even more options for active recreation, as well as table tennis, billiards, and foosball found at the “Ruinous Mansion” – serving as homebase for Kids For All Seasons, the Resort’s complimentary kids camp available daily for children ages 4 to 12.

Children will have a blast at Kids For All Seasons, with a packed day of twice daily supervised swimming and indoor and outdoor activities designed by Sarah Peltier, Director of Recreation. Peltier brings an always-sunny and imaginative disposition to craft fun and creative activities. “It’s always a rewarding experience to create special memories for our little guests,” says Peltier. In addition to traditional poolside entertainment such as air brush tattoos, hair wraps, and balloon artistry, Kids For All Seasons offers daily activations including family game nights, dive-in movies at the family pool and much more. Teens will enjoy special evening activities such as nighttime scavenger hunts throughout Explorer Island, karaoke at The Hideout, and pickleball tournaments.
Peltier, being the oldest of 13 siblings from a blended household, stresses the importance of balancing family time when on vacation. She says, “Quality time spent together is precious, and giving each family member the freedom to recharge with their own resort experiences makes the rest of the vacation journey that much more enjoyable.”ADVERTISEMENTOther fee-based activities are also offered, such as Explorer Island Takeover from 5-8pm and Teen Island Takeover from 8-11pm on Saturday nights, where parents can drop off kids for a few hours, to enjoy a romantic dinner.
Relax and RestoreWhile kids are entertained at Kids For All Seasons, parents can retreat to the 18-treatment room spa, offering a wide array of innovative treatments including Ayurvedic Healing, Vibrational Sound Therapy, IV and IM Vitamin Vitality treatments, and private meditation sessions in the Somadome, a cocoon of healing lights and sounds utilizing binaural beats, color therapy and energy medicine with magnets and crystal therapy. The Spa offers expansive indoor and outdoor relaxation lounges including a co-ed tranquility terrace, solarium with zero-gravity wave loungers, steam rooms and al fresco whirlpools where guests can unwind pre or post treatment, or at any time during their resort stay. “The purpose of vacation is to leave feeling rested and rejuvenated, and we give guests the opportunity to do just that within the sanctuary of our Spa,” says Derek Hofmann, Senior Director of Spa.
More relaxation awaits at the aptly named Oasis pool, exclusive for guests ages 21 and up. The chic, infinity-edge pool is lined with swaying palms, private cabanas and chaise lounges, complete with poolside cocktail service.
For those who wish to stay active during their spring getaway, the resort offers three Har-Tru tennis courts and a variety of clinics, as well as a 24-hour fitness center featuring Peloton® bikes, on-demand digital classes, and daily complimentary live fitness classes ranging from yoga to boot camp. Private instruction is also available, including personal Pilates reformer sessions guided by the Resort’s talented fitness instructors.
Golfers will love the 18-hole championship golf course at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando. Whether seeking challenging play fit for professionals or family fun on the Par 3 six-hole short course and 18-hole putting course, guests are sure to enjoy an incomparable golf experience within the picturesque setting of the Tom Fazio-designed course, a certified Audubon Sanctuary featuring varying elevations, abundant wildlife and protected wetlands.
In addition to enjoying the immaculate spring weather outdoors, guests can retreat to the resort and enjoy shopping signature trunk shows with designer appearances at Wardrobe, the resort’s luxury boutique featuring designer apparel and fine jewelry.

Culinary ExperiencesAfter a day spent poolside or exploring the nearby Walt Disney World Theme Parks, there’s no better way to refuel than with a Michelin-starred dinner at the rooftop Capa Steakhouse. Helmed by Capa Chef Malyna Si, the only female chef overseeing a Michelin-starred restaurant in Central Florida, the 17th floor restaurant features Spanish-influenced cuisine with a delectable array of tapas, locally-sourced seafood and wood-fired prime cuts including the pluma Iberico pork loin Si sourced from Extremadura, a prime 12-ounce bone-in filet, and a 16-ounce bone-in New York strip, both from Creekstone Farms in Kansas. There’s also a 12-ounce delmonico and a 16-ounce short rib, both PlatinumX wagyu level certified, a level above prime, from Jackman Ranch in Texas. Si takes pride in offering an elevated menu with unique and rare dishes, saying, “The practicality of my role is that everybody has to eat; the beauty of being a chef lies in the boundless possibilities to create.”
In addition to these mouthwatering options, there are several signature dishes that are not to be missed, including the pan con tomate small plate, the bacon-wrapped and Marcona-almond stuffed datiles, and the cinammon sugar-dusted Churros de Madrid. The incredible cuisine is matched only by Capa’s stunning ambiance, featuring two outdoor terraces with views of the Walt Disney World Resort fireworks spectaculars.
At Ravello, the resort’s modern Italian-restaurant which was also included in the Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa, guests will delight in authentic Italian cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi, a native of Torino, Italy. Delicious pastas and pizza doughs are prepared with flour imported straight from Italy, and Fabrizio’s homemade limoncello is the perfect way to end any Italian feast. Plus, Ravello welcomes special guests every Thursday and Saturday morning, as well as select Tuesdays, for Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & His Pals.

With six different on-site dining establishments featuring global flavors from a diverse culinary team, guests are sure to find something to satisfy every palate.
The Most Magical Place on EarthThere is no better time for guests to experience the magic of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World® Resort, coming to an end March 31, 2023. However, guests can enjoy the excitement of the Disney Theme Parks all spring long with many on-site conveniences, including access to the Resort’s lobby level Disney Planning Center. Staffed by a Disney Cast Member, the Disney Planning Center team offers complimentary assistance with all Disney needs, including assisting guests with purchasing Park tickets conveniently on site, making Disney Park Pass and Disney dining reservations, and much more. Guests can venture to the nearby Disney Theme Parks with complimentary transportation in a luxury motor coach, and enjoy even more time to experience the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration with 30 minutes Early Park Entry to any Theme Park of choice daily.
Visit www.fourseasons.com/orlando/offers for more information.

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Emilie Dumont, Managing Director of Digitrips
Digitrips has revealed Asia is the only region in the world where top destinations still offered prices (per room-night) below 2019 levels at the end of 2022, as hotels strive to boost demand following the region’s delayed reopening.The multi-product travel provider, which owns French B2B OTA MisterFly, found hotel stays in Europe were on average 25% more expensive in December last year compared to December 2019, with North American prices soaring even higher by a staggering 33%. In comparison, many popular destinations in Asia still offered cheaper stays on average than before the pandemic.
Emilie Dumont, Managing Director of Digitrips, said: “Hotels across Europe and North America have enjoyed high and steady demand in the latter half of 2022, leading to a consistent rise in room prices. In contrast, our data from MisterFly suggests Asia continues to lag behind as the late reopening means hotels must keep prices low to stimulate demand and lure back travellers.
“As a result, while visitors to Barcelona could expect to pay on average 30% more for their accommodation last December than they would have before the pandemic, staying in Tokyo or Bangkok was still significantly cheaper on average than in December 2019 – with a decrease close to 20% over the last quarter.”

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Couples are optimistic about their relationships and intend to make more time for their partners in 2023 according to a recent survey by the Sandals Institute of Romance Sandals Resorts’ trend-house responsible for analyzing and spotting the latest global news in modern love, relationships, and intimacy. Surveying more than 1,000 adults across the United States in partnership with Wakefield Research, the data points to major trends, expectations, and other factors impacting relationships, passion, and connection in the year ahead.
The trend report revealed that romantic experiences remain a top priority despite an uncertain economic outlook and the hard reality of inflation. People expect to be far busier in 2023 than they were in 2022, and they’re making difficult choices about how much they spend, prioritizing immediate needs over frivolous ones. And yet, when it comes to spending their ever-shrinking dollars on romance, a majority say they don’t plan to forfeit gifts, getaways, and activities that strengthen connections and fuel intimacy.
What will romance look like in 2023?
For starters, couples are cozying up to a new year with optimism, with 89% saying their relationship will get better or stay the same in 2023. According to the survey, 4 out of 5 Americans 18 and older (80%) plan to make more time for romance, and nearly 3 in 5 (58%) say rising costs won’t derail their plans for a romantic vacation, as most Americans intend to find the time as well as the funds.
For many, what is considered romantic has evolved and changed over time, with 81% percent saying that they find romance has changed in the last decade. As for what’s romantic in today’s modern world, two-thirds (67%) say a getaway for two would be a particularly romantic gift and the top choice for partners in 2023.ADVERTISEMENTThe survey went on to reveal that more than gifts, sharing experiences is proving to be the ultimate love language. Watching the sunset (55%), trying new restaurants and shops (52%), and adventurous outings (51%) also top the list of what’s most romantic.

“The definition of romance varies from couple to couple, but there’s a common thread to a thriving relationship and that is to be intentional about making the time for connection,” said Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, Sandals Resorts’ Director of Weddings & Romance. “The findings from our latest love study are invigorating and compelling, as Americans confirm their commitment to nurturing their relationships in the coming year – which is why we’re celebrating 2023 as the ‘Year of We.’ Getting away from daily life, free from distractions and stresses, inspires people to focus on what matters most, with the majority of couples agreeing they feel closest to each other while on vacation – and moreover, how this time away energizes the relationship beyond the trip.”
The Sandals State of Romance in 2023 survey went on to reveal much about the romantic pulse of America this year. See the full report here, with findings including:
Couples Plan to Make Time for Romance in 2023, Despite Tight Schedules
80% of respondents expect to be busier in 2023, with 2 in 3 (66%) acknowledging it is challenging to find the time for romance. Still, the vast majority (80%) are committed to making more time for it in 2023, with 31% strongly agreeing.The top obstacles for romance are finding the right setting (41%), financial constraints (38%), work (34%), social obligations (24%), and children (23%).For Boomers, finding time for romance isn’t as difficult, with 45% saying it is not challenging, compared to 32% of Gen X, 24% of Millennials, and 25% of Gen Z.76% of parents say it is challenging to find time for romance. Even in light of this, 88% of parents say they will make more time for romance in 2023, compared with 75% who are not parents.In Lean Times, Many Say Romantic Getaways Are Non-Negotiable
58% of respondents wouldn’t let inflation stop them from taking a romantic vacation, and 42% say that romantic activities would be among the last things to cut back during an economic downturn. Moreover, almost two-thirds of those who have been on a romantic vacation in the past year (64%) refuse to let economic factors stop them from taking one in the future.To help eliminate obstacles, at least temporarily, and create more time for romance, Americans are ready to pack their bags, with the majority saying a getaway is long overdue. Of the 63% who say they are likely to take a romantic vacation in 2023, Millennials are the most restless; 79% say they are likely to take a romantic trip in 2023.Vacations Are Key to Connection and Intimacy

A majority of Americans (51%) say the closest they’ve felt to their romantic partner is when they’re on vacation together.When it comes to romantic vacations that deepen connection, Americans prefer a relaxing beach vacation (67%), especially women (72%) and Gen X (74%).49% view 5 to 7 days as an ideal amount of time for a romantic vacation. Over a week-long romantic vacation, 30% would anticipate being intimate with their partner 3 or 4 days during the trip, and more than a quarter (26%) anticipate being intimate each day of the trip.Nearly three-quarters (73%) say intimacy is more satisfying when they’re on a romantic getaway. And, that satisfaction doesn’t end when the vacation ends: 80% prioritize intimacy with their partner upon returning home from a romantic trip.48% of Millennials say romantic vacations impact their intimacy by making them more adventurous, compared to 28% of Gen X, and 23% of Boomers.Surveying past guests as well as global travelers in committed relationships, the Sandals Institute of Romance’s data is designed to drive the development of integrated on-resort programming, innovative partnerships geared towards enhancing the guest experience, and expert relationship guidance for couples before, during and after their Luxury Included® vacation.
an gifts, sharing experiences is proving to be the ultimate love language. Watching the sunset (55%), trying new restaurants and shops (52%), and adventurous outings (51%) also top the list of what’s most romantic.

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