New AI app helps travellers build an itinerary out of anything

July 31, 2024 No Comments

 Mindtrip, an AI powered platform that empowers everyone to travel differently, today announced the launch of Start Anywhere, a powerful new functionality giving travellers, for the first time, the ability to instantly build their very own dream itineraries from any point of inspiration.

Be it content from a travel site, a Creator’s post on social channels, or a well-known publication, Start Anywhere empowers travelers to simply capture a screen grab or URL, upload it to Mindtrip and in seconds, Mindtrip processes the content and produces a full blown customizable list or an itinerary.

From leisure and adventure travel, to business and group travel, Start Anywhere breaks users out of the confines of a travel platform’s walls and caters to the fluid way that people plan and experience travel.

“People don’t plan travel in a linear fashion, yet the travel industry continues to offer only platforms that do just that,” said Andy Moss, Co-founder and CEO of Mindtrip. “However, at Mindtrip, we believe that planning for the adventure should be as fun as the adventure itself. We’ve developed Start Anywhere to enable people everywhere to turn all of the incredible travel content online into something actionable. You want recommendations for 36 hours in Miami? Now you have it. With reports showing that 75 percent of people find travel inspiration on social sites or online, we are excited to see what travelers do with this game-changing technology and how it will transform the way we all approach planning vacations.”

How to use Start Anywhere

Designed with a social savvy audience in mind, Start Anywhere’s functionality is incredibly easy to use. Users simply sign up for a Mindtrip account, capture either the URL of a travel website, blog post, YouTube video, or a screenshot of travel content on instagram, tiktok or from a favorite publication, and upload it to Mindtrip. In seconds Mindtrip’s AI platform translates the contents into a full-blown itinerary, with recommended things to do, where to go, and places to eat listed for each day, based on account preferences and the content provided.

Should a user have already booked a hotel or flight, Start Anywhere also delivers. Users just have to upload a screenshot of their receipt or forward a confirmation email to Mindtrip and the site will provide a robust itinerary that matches the receipts dates and locations of travel.

Start Anywhere also empowers Creators to generate additional revenue streams. In just a few steps, Creators simply sign up for the Mindtrip Creator program, generate their own Mindtrip magic link, and embed it into every piece of travel content they produce. Links can be placed wherever the Creator sees fit— in descriptions, posts, bios, comments and more. When someone clicks on the Creator’s Magic link, Mindtrip generates an individualized itinerary or list based on the Creator’s content, turning their valuable recommendations into customizable and actionable travel plans for their audience. Mindtrip pays Creators for each new registered user on the Mindtrip platform, delivering an opportunity for Creators to earn extra cash by doing exactly what they love, while generating more value for their followers.

For more information about Mindtrip and its Start Anywhere functionality, visit: Mindtrip.ai.

This small ship cruise company takes just 200 guests to the remote Arctic

July 29, 2024 No Comments

Atlas Ocean Voyages‘ 2026 Arctic season will feature six and seven-night expeditions and include pre-cruise hotel stays for the first time.

Onboard World Voyager and World Navigator, the season will also discover new ports exploring the remote Skjoldungen Island in Greenland, the heart of Icelandic culture in Stykkishólmur, and “miniature Norway” from Senja, the island of adventure.

Reaching restricted areas for larger ships from Svalbard, Atlas’ small intimate yachts provide fewer than 200 guests with the opportunity to explore the remote region. All expeditions departing from Longyearbyen and Kangerluusuaq include the pre-cruise hotel.

 

Arctic season highlights

Shorter Svalbard expeditions

Guests embark on a seven-night expedition from Tromsø to Longyearbyen featuring ports along the stunning Norwegian coast, including Hammerfest and Skarsvåg (North Cape), Norway, before culminating in the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard departing May 22, 2026, A six or seven -night expedition Longyearbyen roundtrip is available for departures May 29, June 5 and June 11, 2026.

Iceland and Greenland

Expeditions will continue visiting Greenland in 2026, a favourite offering allowing travellers to explore Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland in one extraordinary journey. Whether it’s the towering icebergs, vibrant coastal villages, or the mesmerizing Northern Lights, each day promises a new and awe-inspiring experience. Choose from expeditions of 10 to 15 nights for an unforgettable experience: July 29,  July 31,  Aug 11 (solar eclipse) Aug 15, Aug 20 Aug 30, August 31 and Sept 10, 2026.

Norway

Two departures featuring the Norwegian fjords and Svalbard depart June 18, and July 19, 2026.

Included private jet service from Oslo or New York JFK

On expeditions embarking or concluding in Longyearbyen or Kangerlussuaq, guests will enjoy an inclusive charter flight inclusion. Expeditions departing or ending in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, include charter air flights from Oslo, Norway to Longyearbyen, making it easier for guests to begin or end their expedition. Expeditions departing or ending in Kangerlusssuaq will include charter air flights from New York JFK.

New included pre-cruise hotel in Oslo or New York

For 2026 Arctic polar expeditions, a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night is included for all departures from Longyearbyen, with accommodations provided in Oslo, Norway, the night before the charter flight. Additionally, for the Aug. 31, 2026 departure from Kangerlussuaq, a pre-cruise hotel night will be offered in New York the night before the charter flight.

Exclusive cultural immersions

Every 2026 Polar Expedition by Atlas includes a free cultural immersion experience, offering guests unique insights into local communities. Examples include visits to Indigenous villages like Ittoqqortoormiit, Paimutt, or Ilulisat in Greenland, where guests can engage with local traditions, taste regional treats, and explore cultural nuances. In Longyearbyen, guests will enjoy a panoramic drive and a welcome aboard event featuring an insightful talk on local life, complemented by delicacies such as reindeer canapés, coal mine beer, and regional chocolate.

Adventure activities include free Zodiac sightseeing safaris, allowing for up-close-and-personal experiences with stunning landscapes and wildlife. Plus, landings ashore, where our world-class expedition team guides you, and for the daring, take the plunge with our exhilarating polar plunge opportunity, creating memories that last a lifetime. Each guest also receives a complimentary parka to take home with them.

For more information, visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

Swan Hellenic reveals 10 Maris gourmet cruises with Michelin chefs

July 26, 2024 No Comments

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer Swan Hellenic has just unveiled its 2025 Maris gourmet cruises aboard the elegant designer ships SH Diana and SH Vega.

Each of these exclusive Maris voyages showcases the outstanding creativity of one of the world-famous chefs in the gourmet organization JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs – all rising stars under 40 who have already won international accolades, including from Michelin.

 

10 curated culinary cruises

For 2025, Maris offers a choice of ten expertly curated cruises from the Arctic to Europe and the Mediterranean, nine on SH Diana and one on SH Vega, each a unique experience of exceptional fine dining and discovery.

Serving a different signature dish every night, the Maris chef surprises and delights throughout the voyage, leading up to an extraordinary Gala Dinner that displays their full creativity and skills, inspired by a passion for tradition, sustainability and quality local ingredients. Sharing their expertise, the Maris chef also puts on a cooking show that reveals secrets of their art, and leads gastronomic excursions ashore to explore the local hunting, fishing, farming, foraging and culinary traditions and specialties.

And of course, every Maris chef also mixes and socializes with guests throughout their voyage in the Swan Hellenic tradition.

It is this extraordinary combination that makes Maris an irresistible experience in high-end cruise gastronomy.

Star chefs for 2025

The JRE-Jeunes Restaurateurs star chefs lined up for the 2025 Maris sailings include (in order of sailing):

  • Heribert Dietrich from Switzerland (Michelin Star – 9 nights on SH Diana exploring Europe’s Atlantic coast, departing Lisbon for Portsmouth on 12 May 2025)
  • Kevin Lejeune from Belgium (Michelin Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, leaving Portsmouth for Dublin on 21 May 2025),
  • Philippe Deslarzes from Switzerland (Michelin star – 8 nights on SH Diana, departing Reykjavik for an Iceland Circumnavigation on 02 June 2025
  • Herman Cooijmans from the Netherlands (10 nights on SH Diana, departing Tromsø for the fjords and on to Amsterdam on 21 July 2025)
  • Franco Körperich from Switzerland (8 nights on SH Vega, sailing from Reykjavik for an Iceland circumnavigation on 31 July)
  • David Goerne from France (Michelin Green Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, departing Amsterdam for Lisbon on 31 July 2025 to experience the historic ports of Europe’s Atlantic seaboard)
  • Federico Pettenuzzo from Italy (Michelin Star – 11 nights on SH Diana, sailing from Lisbon on 11 August to follow Africa’s north coast to Palermo)
  • Alberto Basso from Italy (10 nights on SH Diana, departing Palermo for Venice on 22 August)
  • Lukas Nagl from Austria (8 nights on SH Diana to explore the Classical World, leaving Venice for Piraeus on 1 September)
  • Steffen Disch from Germany (Michelin Star – 9 nights on SH Diana, departing Istanbul for Limassol on 17 September)

Two series of cruises in the 2025 Maris selection – all aboard SH Diana – can be daisy-chained to create unforgettable voyages of gastronomic exploration: a double voyage from Lisbon in May and a choice of double or triple culinary discovery from Amsterdam in August.

For more information about Swan Hellenic, visit www.swanhellenic.com.

Arizona’s first Grand Hyatt is opening this October

July 24, 2024 No Comments

With a phased full property renovation under way, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch expects to unveil its highly anticipated $115 million property-wide renovation and rebrand to Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort in early October 2024, marking the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona.

Guests can choose from various room types to suit their needs, ranging from residential-style luxury casitas to king and queen bed accommodations and accessible rooms. Every guest room on property features a multi-purpose living space, a spa-inspired bathroom, and a private balcony or patio.

Optimal for groups of friends and families, the resort’s casitas offer separate living spaces for entertaining and gathering. They are also equipped with a kitchenette and dual bathrooms with sweeping views of the resort’s pool and surrounding golf course.

Culinary and more

Come October, the resort will debut four new food and beverage concepts – La Zozzona (Modern Italian Chophouse), Tiki Taka (global small plates), Mesa Centrale (Southwestern grill), and Grand Vista Lounge (lobby bar). The property has already introduced two new poolside concepts – Sandbar and H2Oasis.

The restaurants are spearheaded by celebrated chef and James Beard nominated cookbook author, Richard Blais.

Outside, guests will uncover a new aquatic wonderland with the resort’s upgraded 10-acre destination pool complex and expanded cabanas, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, excitement, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The 2.5-acre outdoor oasis features 10 unique swimming pools and a pristine sand beach. At the heart of the complex stands a thrilling three-story, high-speed waterslide, promising excitement for adventure enthusiasts of all ages, while a tranquil whirlpool spa offers a haven for relaxation seekers. For those looking for more activities, a beachside putting green provides a novel touch to this already exceptional escape.

To learn more about the property, visit hyattregencyscottsdale.com.

This overnight train in Southeast Asia is home to a Dior spa

July 22, 2024 No Comments

Following its much-anticipated return to the rails in February 2024, the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia is proud to announce a long-term partnership with the House of Dior to create the Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express.

Available starting from July 22, 2024, this will be Dior’s first ever spa in the region. The train invites travellers on seasonal journeys departing from Singapore and traveling through Malaysia’s ever-changing landscapes and vibrant cities: The Essence of Malaysia (November to February) and Wild Malaysia (March to October).

The addition of a Dior Spa will offer guests a wellness space to unwind and rejuvenate from days of adventure in the lush mountainscapes and verdant jungles of Southeast Asia. 

Belmond's third Dior spa on the rails

Following a temporary residency on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond’s first permanent Dior Spa launched on the legendary Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train, Scotland in April 2023, making the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express, Belmond’s third Dior Spa on the rails. 

Offering a sanctuary of tranquility for guests, the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express will be housed in one of the train’s 16 plush Art Deco-inspired carriages. Completely dedicated to wellness, the carriage will boast the House of Dior’s iconic canework whilst taking inspiration from the beauty of Southeast Asia. Using hand-crafted tropical wood materials, the interior is designed to blend with the natural surroundings in which the train winds through – bringing the essence of the region to life through its carefully curated ambience. In homage to Christian Dior’s love for flowers, the new Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental will use rose emblems on the carriage carpets, in shades of green and beige. 

Guests will be taken into a dedicated reception area to discover the spa and its premium range of products before or after their treatment. The calming space expands into two luxurious rooms, each designed with furniture which merges Dior’s elegance with inspiration from the location. Furniture adorned in the iconic Toile de Jouy print showcases tigers, a nod to the Malaysian Sacred Tigers known to the region. 

Tailormade treatments

Bringing the savoir-faire of two leading luxury brands together, the Dior Spa Eastern & Oriental Express provides guests with the ultimate beauty experience to complement the serene and natural landscapes of Southeast Asia. The new wellbeing menu will feature five tailor-made treatments devised by the French Maison’s Wellness Experts. The bespoke approach caters to the specific needs of the train’s guests, ensuring a truly immersive experience that leaves them feeling refreshed and invigorated. 

Signature treatment D-Jungle, an exclusive face and body treatment of Asian inspiration, will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a perfectly rhythmic, deep muscle massage from head to toe, performed using stretching techniques and targeting specific energy points. Signature treatments also include a relaxing Constellation massage designed to use a mix of massage techniques to relieve tension from the body. For the ultimate muscle relief, the D-Tissue massage uses deep, slow and soothing movements for those with a focus to release muscular pain.   

Drawing inspiration from the exquisite art of Asian beauty rituals, the luxurious facial treatments at the spa seamlessly blend traditional Asian techniques with the opulence of the Dior Prestige skincare line. Guests can indulge in the Kobi-Dior Facial Treatment, a massage rooted in the ancient Japanese Kobido massage tradition that rejuvenates the skin. This treatment expertly sculpts the face, leaving guests with a radiant and youthful appearance. 

For those seeking evening relaxation, Le Soin de Minuit treatment offers guests an unparalleled experience. This indulgent session incorporates meditative exercises designed to promote profound sleep and optimize skin regeneration, ensuring a luminous and revitalized complexion by the morning. To complement the experience, guests are invited to savor the moment with a selection of fine teas and nourishing delicacies. 

New report highlights the changing face of luxury travel in Asia Pacific

July 19, 2024 No Comments

As the Asia Pacific region continues to be the growth engine for luxury travel, a new comprehensive report from the Luxury Group by Marriott International has identified new expectations and travel preferences among high-net-worth (HNW) travellers in Asia Pacific.

Across the region, 68 per cent are planning to spend more on travel over the next 12 months – 89 per cent among Indians – with 74 per cent planning to travel within Asia Pacific and 88 per cent prioritizing gastronomy as the reason to travel. One in four of all holidays planned (25 per cent) are celebrations.

Three distinct new groups of luxury traveler have emerged – the ‘Venture Travelist’ who seeks business opportunities when traveling, ‘Experience Connoisseur’ Millennials who are traveling for enrichment and ‘Timeless Adventurer’, over 65s who are building their own itineraries and exploring places before they become popular.

Longer holidays on the rise

The research among HNW travelers in Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia and India reveals they are traveling frequently with longer holidays especially across the Asia Pacific region. An average of six leisure trips is planned within the next 12 months while 33% of respondents are planning at least seven holidays this year. On average, a short stay comprises three nights while a long stay is two-and-a-half weeks. For many, the kinship and connection within a group enhances the richness of the travel experience, with over 70% choosing to travel with family or friends.

Australia is the destination of choice (46 per cent, above Japan (42 per cent) and Hong Kong, China (27 per cent). Sixty-nine per cent of India’s HNW tourists are planning a trip to Australia and it is the top destination of choice for Indonesian, Japanese and Singaporean travellers.

Travel trends revealed

Increasing demand in India

The most active and engaged travel market, 89 per cent of Indian HNW say they are planning to spend more on travel.

Families and friends are touring together to mark key milestones, attend a private function or event, with 38 per cent planning a trip with friends and 33 per cent making theirs a celebratory trip.

A Fascination for Food

A whopping 88 per cent are picking their holiday destination based on discovering a new food or culinary experience. Acutely aware of dining trends, almost half of the respondents (49 per cent) describe a fine dining experience as an ideal night out.

Reinforcing this point, 83 per cent will choose a destination to visit an award-winning restaurant and 35 per cent agreed they would spend more on unique culinary experiences. When choosing a hotel, 81 per cent of HNW travellers make their selection based on fine dining options and 83 per cent choose a destination so they can visit a celebrated restaurant.

 

New traveller personas emerge

With more disposable income for holidays and a growing population of ageing travellers, the research has identified three new categories of affluent travellers. These include:

i) The ‘Venture Travelist’
The next-generation Bleisure tourist, the Venture Travelist prioritizes holiday destinations that will generate business opportunities. While they enjoy their vacation with their family and loved ones, they are always on the lookout to secure a deal. Entrepreneurs at heart, they explore a location, shopping for local products and antiques, and looking to forge business connections with members from the local community.

ii) The ‘Experience Connoisseur’
Predominantly millennials, Experience Connoisseurs plan their leisure travel as an opportunity for personal enrichment. They travel extensively and see the experience as an investment in their mental and physical wellbeing. They want to deeply explore a destination, they value personalization and actively seek exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences.

iii) The ‘Timeless Adventurer’
Debunking every stereotype of the over-65 ‘silver set travelers’, Timeless Adventurers are keen explorers who want to immerse themselves in a destination. They’re less interested in tourist attractions and more drawn to what gives the destination a sense of place, what makes it unique and memorable.

The full report is available to download.

How to make the most of a 24-hour stopover in Lisbon

July 17, 2024 No Comments

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is perfect for a 24-hour stopover with TAP Air Portugal. 

With its historic sites and delectable cuisine, there are so many possibilities to make the most of your short stay.

For those with only a short time to explore Portugal’s charming capital, here’s a guide to enjoying your day in Lisbon.

Start at Praça do Comércio, a grand square by the Tagus River. From here, walk to the Baixa district, a bustling area rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. Stroll along Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street with shops and cafes, and soak in the atmosphere.

Next, visit Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. Its narrow, winding streets and colourful houses are full of charm and history. Explore the Lisbon Cathedral and climb to Miradouro de Santa Luzia for a stunning view of the city and river.

Foodie frenzy

Don’t miss the iconic Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts). Head to Pastéis de Belém, a legendary bakery known for these treats since 1837. Enjoy the crispy, flaky pastry filled with rich, creamy custard, paired with a strong Portuguese espresso, known as bica.

Lisbon is renowned for its culinary delights. A food tour with Devour Tours – Lisbon is a great way to taste local dishes. Start at Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) for fresh seafood, petiscos (Portuguese tapas), and regional wines. These tours often include stops at small eateries to try specialties like bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with potatoes and eggs) and pastéis de bacalhau (codfish cakes).

History hides at every corner

For a touch of history and opulence, visit the Royal Treasure Museum at Palácio Nacional da Ajuda. It features a stunning collection of royal jewels, gold artifacts, and regal memorabilia. Learn about Portugal’s monarchy and admire the intricate craftsmanship of the items on display.

Continue your tour with visits to Lisbon’s iconic landmarks. The Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once protected the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. Its distinctive Manueline architecture is a testament to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Nearby, the Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO site, showcases magnificent Manueline style and houses Vasco da Gama’s tomb. Another option for the non-heights conscious explorer is the Pillar 7 Bridge Experience located on Lisbon waterfront, is a unique attraction that allows visitors to explore the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge from an entirely new perspective.

If you have time, visit Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s lively nightlife district. It comes alive after dark with narrow streets lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants. Enjoy a traditional Fado performance, a soulful genre of music unique to Portugal, and try a ginjinha (cherry liqueur).

Before heading back to the airport, relax at one of Lisbon’s stunning viewpoints. The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte offers one of the best panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset. Alternatively, take a ride on the historic Tram 28 through charming neighborhoods like Graça, Alfama, and Estrela.

We stayed at the Dom Pedro Hotel. This property exudes old world charm and as a participant in the stopover program you can receive 20% by using code STOPOVER23 when booking on the hotel website.

Lisbon’s unique blend of historic charm, modern vibrancy, and culinary excellence makes it an ideal stopover destination. With just 24 hours, you can see and do many rewarding things. So, when flying with TAP, take advantage and book a stopover in Lisbon.

A look inside the luxury rail car that connects South Central Vietnam

July 15, 2024 No Comments

The Vietage by Anantara recently added a second railway carriage, which will operate a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon.

Building on the resounding success of the existing carriage, which runs every day between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, the new custom-designed addition will connect the renowned coastal city of Nha Trang (served by Cam Ranh International Airport), offering timeless luxury travel experiences through South-Central Vietnam.

Heralding a new age of slow and sustainable travel, the five-hour journeys meander through the picturesque Vietnamese countryside, transporting guests into a world of glamour and nostalgia with all the comforts of modern luxury. Twelve reservation-only seats in private booths of two blend sleek modern interiors with inspiration from Indochina, along with expansive picture windows offering stunning views. A sit-up bar gives guests the chance to watch expert mixology in action as the on-board hosts create railway-inspired cocktails and mocktails, while relaxation time beckons in the dedicated spa area for 15-minute head and shoulder treatments on the go.

An exclusively curated and sumptuous afternoon tea experience takes guests on a culinary adventure, including poached Bai Dai Lobster and Da Lat Caviar to whet the appetite, a tea tower with a selection of home-made finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and traditional scones with all the trimmings. An artisanal cheese and charcuterie platter rounds off the occasion. A dedicated vegan menu is also available.

Slow down for the scenery

While not visible from the railway itself, the train passes near Vietnam’s oldest lighthouse, Mui Dien, which sits at the easternmost point of the country making it the first place to witness the sunrise. Continuing its northerly track through the province’s capital city of Tuy Hòa, Vietnam’s longest wooden bridge at half a mile in length, Bình Thạnh Bridge, is a gateway to some other local notable landmarks.

Guests traveling from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon can enjoy accommodations at the luxurious Anantara Quy Nhon Villas beachside retreat. For the ultimate Vietnam itinerary, jump on board The Vietage by Anantara running from Quy Nhon to Da Nang and to visit the charming Hoi An Ancient Town with a stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort.

Guests traveling from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon can enjoy accommodations at the luxurious Anantara Quy Nhon Villas beachside retreat. For the ultimate Vietnam itinerary, jump on board The Vietage by Anantara running from Quy Nhon to Da Nang and to visit the charming Hoi An Ancient Town with a stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort.

A one-way ticket aboard The Vietage by Anantara between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon costs US $420 per person, including luxury afternoon tea, a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment, free-flowing wines, cocktails, beers, mocktails, soft drinks and a selection of local tea and coffee. 

The Vietage by Anantara departs from Nha Trang every afternoon arriving at Dieu Tri station in. It then continues up to Da Nang arriving after midnight. Running in the opposite direction, The Vietage by Anantara’s additional carriage departs from Da Nang every morning, arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and then onto Nha Trang for a mid-evening arrival.

Two new Hyatt hotels are opening in New Orleans

July 12, 2024 No Comments

Hyatt is expanding its brand presence in New Orleans with Maison Métier (formerly Maison de la Luz) and The Barnett (formerly Ace Hotel New Orleans), which have joined the Hyatt portfolio as affiliated hotels.

The hotels are expected to join Hyatt’s Independent Collection of brands and participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program this year. The two properties are owned by The Domain Companies and managed by HRI Hospitality.

Situated on Carondelet Street, just one block from New Orleans’ famed Lafayette Square, these two  properties will soon bring unique guest experiences, stylish accommodations and bold food and beverage programming to Hyatt’s Independent Collection of brands, which offers enriching and authentic stays for today’s traveller.

About the two hotels

Maison Métier (expected to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand as an independently branded hotel in 2024) 
Located in a 1908 building, Maison Métier is a Parisian luxury guesthouse that has been thoughtfully preserved in its architectural integrity and embodies the story of a bygone era married with contemporary finishes and furnishings.

The hotel offers 67 lavish guestrooms and suites with well-appointed interiors and immersive design touches. The salon-style bar located within the hotel, formerly known as Bar Marilou, maintains its partnership with Paris-based Quixotic Projects and continue to hold its place as the swanky bar New Orleanians know and love, offering culinary delights and creative cocktails.

The Barnett (expected to join JdV by Hyatt brand as an independently branded hotel in 2024)
The Barnett will pay homage to the building’s rich history which includes its longstanding tenure as Barnett’s Furniture Store, a local mom-and-pop fixture of the neighborhood of a past era.

The hotel brings Art Deco and French Modernism influences to the vibrant Warehouse District in a way that celebrates the city’s past, and offers guests an authentic New Orleans experience, with musicality at its core featuring a live music venue. In addition to thoughtful property-wide updates, the hotel’s culinary venues will showcase new identities, including former mainstay Italian restaurant Josephine Estelle; rooftop and pool bar Alto; and music venue Three Keys. Seaworthy restaurant will remain under the same brand and culinary leadership. Guests can expect updates for The Barnett’s bars and restaurants to be unveiled this Fall.

Once the hotels join their respective brands, World of Hyatt members will have the opportunity to experience NOLA in style and earn points on stays to use toward free nights, dining, wellbeing experiences and more.

One&Only Kéa Island, Greece is now welcoming guests

July 10, 2024 No Comments

One&Only opens their second Greek resort, One&Only Kéa Island, bringing the wonders of the Aegean to life.

Set on an untapped island, just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Athens, the resort celebrates authentic Mediterranean living, surrounded by untouched landscapes, deep blue seas, secluded beaches, and charming villages. The launch of One&Only Kéa Island follows the successful 2023 opening of One&Only Aesthesis, Athens, the brand’s debut resort in Greece.

Unlocking the destination, One&Only Kéa Island Resort and Private Homes is set on a dramatic 65-hectare beachfront site on the ruggedly beautiful west coast of Kéa in the Cyclades.

The first ultra-luxury offering on the island, this all-villa resort boasts contemporary cliffside villas, each with its own private infinity pool overlooking panoramic sea views. Immersing guests in the natural rhythms of the island, the resort offers elevated Greek cuisine, holistic wellbeing, and curated experiences that celebrate the natural, nautical, and cultural charms of the Cyclades. 

Aegean wonder

Designed by acclaimed architect John Heah, the resort’s 63 villas and collection of private homes pay homage to Kéa’s architectural traditions. Hand-cut local stone and Greek marble feature prominently in the designs, complementing other Cycladic elements such as lofty atriums, white-washed walls, pergolas, and rounded archways.

Perched on a stunning cliffside, the resort’s main arrival building and cluster of villas create a village-style atmosphere, whilst maintaining a sense of space and privacy. With a choice of one or two bedrooms, the villas capture the quintessential island spirit with expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, designed for alfresco living. The first free-hold branded residences in Greece, a limited collection of private homes are available to purchase. Located on the opposite side of Vroskopos Bay, they range from one-bedroom to six-bedroom villas with infinity-edge pools, spacious entertaining areas, native gardens, and sweeping sea views. 

Island bounty abounds

One&Only Kéa Island celebrates the island’s culinary secrets showcasing produce from the land and sea, working with local skilled artisans, farmers and fishermen. The resort’s restaurants and bars showcase the island’s seasonal natural bounty and traditions, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an authentic Mediterranean diet.  

Located at the heart of the resort, Atria, the resort’s lively restaurant, serves refined Greek cuisine and family-style dishes featuring fresh catch of the day, locally farmed meats, homegrown herbs and produce. Shifting moods throughout the day, Kosmos lounge offers everything from freshly pressed juices and afternoon tea to cocktails on the sea-view terrace as the sun goes down.  

Sailing in the most picturesque views, the Kaiki pool bar, is the perfect spot to enjoy relaxed bites and creative cocktails by the resort’s impressive infinity pool with awe-inspiring views of the Aegean Sea beyond. Meanwhile, Èpicora wine bar, celebrates a more intimate experience with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie boards paired with Greek and international wines. Keeping some secrets of its own, Incognito speakeasy bar is hidden behind an unmarked door, boasting a selection of rare rums, fine whiskies, and Cuban-inspired cocktails in an intimate setting for just 20 guests. 

 

Whether it’s basking in the sunlight or dancing by the sea, Bond Beach Club is the Cyclades’ most alluring new destination and is set to become one of the most captivating beach clubs in the region.

Embracing barefoot luxury, Bond Beach Club captures the spirited yet laidback energy synonymous with Greek summer. A place where guests can spend long lost afternoons with their toes in the sand, enjoying bold Mediterranean and Asian flavours, masterful mixology and curated wines coupled with vibrant tunes from the resident DJs.

For those looking to stop by for lunch or dinner, there is a jetty from which you can access the beach from your boat.

For reservations or more information, visit: oneandonlyresorts.com/kea-island.