Christine Hogg, Author at OFFSHORE

Luxury resort in Antigua adds 12 stunning overwater bungalows

January 10, 2024 No Comments

Blue Diamond Resorts’ Royalton CHIC Antigua, set to open in April 2024, has added 12 luxury overwater suites.

The Overwater Suites at Royalton CHIC Antigua will mark the second set of these type of luxury suites in the Blue Diamond Resorts portfolio, building upon the remarkable success of their initial six Chairman Overwater Bungalows at Royalton Antigua in 2019.

The Presidential Overwater Bungalow will offer a spacious 1,912 ft² one-bedroom haven with state-of-the-art amenities and a generous living room area featuring a glass floor providing stunning views of the ocean. The Luxury Junior Suite Overwater Bungalow will be a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. This fully equipped 1,138 ft² suite over the ocean boasts a private terrace, plunge pool, and direct access to the ocean.

For an unparalleled experience, the Chairman Overwater Bungalow Two Bedroom Suite will provide an expansive and luxurious retreat featuring two rooms, terraces, two separate plunge pools, overwater hammocks, and direct access to the sea.

Positioned directly above the ocean, it includes a living room with a crystal floor for mesmerizing sea views, a bar, kitchenette, dining area, three bathrooms, and cutting-edge technology in a 3,049 ft² space.

Exclusive club access

All Overwater Suites will include access to an upgraded Diamond Club with features and amenities such as seamless check-in, access to exclusive areas, and the coveted personal butler service to further enhance your stay.

For more information or to book your next vacation, visit www.royaltonchicresorts.com.

A look at the world’s most powerful passports for 2024

January 8, 2024 No Comments

An unprecedented six countries share the top spot with visa-free access to a record-breaking number of destinations on the 2024 Henley Passport Index, which is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Four EU member states — France, Germany, Italy, and Spain — join Japan and Singapore in boasting the most powerful passports in the world, with their citizens able to visit an astonishing 194 destinations out of 227 around the globe visa-free.

The two Asian nations have dominated first place on the index (which ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa) for the past five years.

“The average number of destinations travellers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, as we enter the new year, the top-ranked countries are now able to travel to a staggering 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, which sits at the bottom of the ranking with access to just 28 countries without a visa,” said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners.

Europe continues to dominate

South Korea joins Finland and Sweden in second place with visa-free travel to 193 destinations, and another four EU nations: Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and Netherlands — share third place with access to 192.

The rest of the Top 10 is largely dominated by European countries, with the UK climbing up two ranks to fourth place with visa-free access to 191 destinations compared to just 188 a year ago.

Australia and New Zealand passport holders both improve their ranking to sit in sixth place with 189 visa-free destinations, while the U.S. retains its seventh place with access to 188 destinations without requiring a visa in advance.

It has been a decade since the U.K. and the U.S. jointly held first place on the index in 2014.

Countries climbing the ranks

The UAE remains the biggest climber on the Henley Passport Index over the past decade, adding an impressive 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014, resulting in a massive leap of 44 places in the ranking from 55th to 11^th position.

Ukraine and China are also among the top five countries with the most improved rankings over the past 10 years (a net total gain of 21 places each), and both have climbed a further two ranks in the past year.

Ukraine is now in 32^nd place with 148 visa-free destinations and China is 62^nd on the ranking with access to 85 destinations without a prior visa (compared to just 44 in 2014).

While Russia has seen a net gain of 24 destinations over the past decade, its visa-free score and ranking has barely shifted since 2017, and it now sits in 51^st place with access to 119 destinations.

Affluent travellers will pay more for these 10 things

January 5, 2024 No Comments

A new survey by Opinium Research for Kensington Tours reveals the habits of some of the world’s most affluent travellers.

Using data provided by 400 adults, whose household income is above $250,000, shows that travellers in this demographic are inclined to pay extra for exclusive benefits, such as insider access to destinations, no waiting in lines, and a seamless travel experience.

Luxury travellers crave a seamless travel experience, and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Key findings

Considering that two thirds (66 per cent) of luxury travellers report having felt frustrated due to waiting in too long of lines while travelling, it’s no surprise that nearly seven in 10 luxury travellers (68 per cent) report that they are willing to pay a premium for the ability to skip lines, avoid crowds, and experience private tours.

Other offerings that luxury travellers would pay a premium for include personalized, bespoke trips tailored to their wants and needs (66 per cent), one-stop planning (62 per cent), and insider access to exclusive events (56 per cent). Insider access and no waiting in lines top the list of affluent traveler priorities.

Respondents also reported that their travel experiences would be somewhat or greatly enhanced by offerings typically provided by a luxury tour operator, such as access to popular attractions with no wait times (81 per cent), privately guided tours without the crowds (78 per cent), access to exclusive, world-renowned events (74 per cent), and access to insider experiences not traditionally available to the general public (72 per cent).

Additional key takeaways

Other findings from the survey included:

Luxury travellers take more trips, and they are longer: A significant portion of luxury travelers (38 per cent) report taking three-to-five trips annually, while 28 per cent take six-to-10 trips, and a notable 14 per cent embark on more than ten trips each year and most of them average two weeks or more (57 per cent).
They turn to a travel professional: 72 per cent of survey participants expressed their intention to enlist the services of travel experts for their upcoming vacation planning.
Intergenerational travel continues to remain a priority: The popularity of multi-generational travel experienced a significant boost in the wake of the pandemic and continues to thrive, with 82 per cent of those surveyed intending to increase their family travel this year.
Been there; done that; affluent travellers want to see something new: A significant number of respondents (89 per cent) plan to explore new destinations in 2024 with Switzerland, Norway, and Portugal named as top destinations.
Travel pain points: The most prevalent challenges and pain points include locating appropriate accommodations (41 per cent), steering clear of tourist traps (38 per cent), and coordinating activities (38 per cent).
More space, increased privacy, and added exclusivity are in high demand: More than 50 per cent expressed interest in distinctive experiences such as luxurious villa stays featuring in-house amenities and private yacht expeditions.

Go to https://www.kensingtontours.com for more.

Park Hyatt has opened a luxury hotel close to Marrakech’s famed medina

January 3, 2024 No Comments

Park Hyatt Marrakech is now open, marking the debut of the Park Hyatt brand in Morocco and growing the brand’s presence in Africa, joining Park Hyatt Zanzibar and the forthcoming Park Hyatt Johannesburg, slated for 2025.

Uniquely located 15 kilometres from Marrakech’s historic Medina district, the 19-acre resort is situated in an exquisite, off-the-beaten path location at the base of the Atlas Mountains. Surrounded by palm trees, olive trees and jacaranda trees, Park Hyatt Marrakech sits adjacent to the magnificent Al Maaden Golf resort, exclusively offering guests convenient access to the 18-hole course.

About Park Hyatt Marrakech

Park Hyatt Marrakech stands apart from other luxury hotels in the market through a distinctly residential, modern, and stylish take on Arab-Berber heritage.

Composed of 16 pavilions arranged around a central, zeolite patio, Park Hyatt Marrakech encapsulates the personalized, understated luxury of the global brand with unexpected, hyperlocal experiences for guests – from breakfast in a hot-air balloon in the Three Atlas Valleys, to dinner in a Bedouin tent in the Agafay desert, to airport transfers in luxury electric cars, and more.

Renowned Marrakech-based architect Imaad Rahmouni drew inspiration from Arab-Berber traditions to create a luxurious contemporary design for Park Hyatt Marrakech.

The 130 residentially inspired guestrooms and suites are among the most spacious in Marrakech, and promise privacy and tranquility, with Moroccan touches throughout.

Each guestroom features traditionally woven Berber carpets in pure wool and headboards representing the Tataoui motif (a local roofing technique made of laurel branches) alongside modern works of art sourced via Ifitry Artists’ Residence.

Ammenities & more

In addition to convenient golf access, the hotel’s vast, 23,000+-square-foot spa is an ode to Morocco’s culture of hammam rituals and holistic therapies. Featuring products from Sodashi, a brand hand-crafted in Australia and Nectarome, a complete range of high-quality natural products derived from Moroccan traditions, the professional spa team can recommend personalized treatments.

Guests can stay on track of their fitness goals in the 2,153-square-foot fitness centre and yoga studio.

The expansive resort also includes an outdoor heated pool, a family-friendly outdoor pool, and an indoor heated pool beneath a vaulted ceiling, each offering unique valley and mountain vistas.

New Swiss hotel has a stunning mountain backdrop and more

December 29, 2023 No Comments

Located in the heart of Davos, and against the backdrop of the majestic “Magic Mountain”, Hotel Flüela Davos is one of the newest luxury hotels by Hyatt’s Unbound Collection.

Hotel Flüela Davos joins three existing Hyatt hotels in Switzerland and signals Hyatt’s continued commitment to growing its luxury brands in sought-after destinations in Europe.

The hotel itself is a story-worthy symbol of Swiss heritage. Built at a time when stagecoaches were the primary mode of travel for merchants and postal services, Hotel Flüela extended its hospitality to weary travelers – a tradition that endures to this day.

For 155 years, this cherished landmark has been an essential part of Davos’ journey from a secluded Alpine village to a world-renowned mountainside health resort and spa town, and eventually to a thriving global hub for business and leisure.

Today, Hotel Flüela Davos offers worldly independent travelers Swiss Alpine comfort in a captivating luxury setting.

An alpine sanctuary

Adorned with sophistication, the 51 rooms and suites provide guests with an alpine sanctuary surrounded by warm winter tones.

Guests can enjoy their stay 5,118 feet (1,560 meters) above sea level, in rooms that offer premium amenities including a state-of-the-art private ski locker, access to the Flüela Soul Spa, a ski butler and a discount on ski rental equipment.

The hotel also has 5,220 square feet (485 square meters) of meeting space, thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity and foster productive discussions, while offering stunning views of the surrounding panorama and the vibrant streets of Davos. It is conveniently located just over a mile (2 km) away from the Davos Conference Centre, home to the renowned World Economic Forum, becoming the ideal hub for professionals seeking an immersive experience in complete luxury.

Guests can step away from the hustle and bustle of the city in the hotel’s wellness area, which features two saunas, two steam rooms, a relaxation room, two treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor hot tub.

The ultimate way to unwind after a day of winter sports, guests of the hotel will also receive complimentary access to the spa, which includes a new gym with the latest technology and equipment.

For more information on Hotel Flüela Davos, visit www.hyatt.com.

Futuristic hotel opens in the middle of the Saudi Arabian desert

December 27, 2023 No Comments

The Board of Directors of NEOM, the sustainable regional development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, recently announced Epicon, its latest luxury coastal tourism destination, including a residential offering.

Located on the Gulf of Aqaba, Epicon aims to set a new standard of hospitality and architecture. Rising from NEOM’s desert landscape like a glistening mirage, the property will feature two striking towers, one 225 meters tall and one reaching 275 meters.

The towers will be home to an ultra-premium 41 key hotel and luxury residences that comprise of 14 suites and apartments. A short distance from the hotel is the Epicon resort, which blends tranquility with indulgence and features 120 rooms and 45 stunning residential beach villas.

A gateway to the future

Designed as a gateway to the future, Epicon provides an opportunity to escape the stresses of the everyday.

Whether relaxing at the beach club, visiting the spa for bespoke wellness treatments, exploring the surrounding nature, participating in one of the many watersports on offer, or dining at destination restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience, Epicon has been conceived to meet the full array of guest and resident needs.

The guest experience

A highly attractive visitor destination and an optimum place to live and thrive, Epicon’s guests and residents can expect a truly immersive and life-affirming experience. The luxurious residences and beach villas aim to deliver new levels of livability through cutting-edge innovations, world-class services and first-class experiences, positioning the resort as a benchmark for iconic living.

Guests and residents of Epicon will enjoy unrestricted access to world-class facilities, complemented by views of one of the most desirable shorelines in NEOM. Amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, library, workspaces, pools and lounges.

580 hotel restaurants take eel off the menu to prevent its extinction

December 22, 2023 No Comments

The members of Relais & Châteaux’s World Culinary Council have voted to immediately remove eel from their own menus and are sending a call to action to the rest of the group’s 580 hotels and restaurants to do the same.

The move comes after its NGO partner, Ethic Ocean, launched an alert that public authorities must urgently listen to scientists who recommend suspending European eel fishing.

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla), which is featured in menus all over the world–and revered in certain French, Spanish, Belgian, Dutch and Japanese culinary cultures–is considered critically endangered and features on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red Listof Threatened Species.

Over the last 20 years, European scientists from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) have been warning about all the causes of the alarming decline of this species–but for the last three years, they have recommended suspending fishing.

A fishy dilemma

The 21 Relais & Châteaux chefs elected to the Association’s World Culinary Council gathered in October and voted to approve an immediate ban of European eel from its menus.

“Chefs have a critical role to play: we can stop the demand. We have a chance to protect eels from becoming extinct, and of preserving biodiversity to allow future generations to continue to enjoy them, but only if we act now. As the world’s largest network of chefs, Relais & Châteaux hopes to save this species.” —Mauro Colagreco, vice-president, Chefs of Relais & Châteaux

In partnership with Ethic Ocean, Relais & Châteaux calls on the 27 European Union ministers to hear this chef mobilization and scientific recommendation in order to take the necessary measures this December to safeguard this species.

The European eel species suffers from numerous challenges including water pollution (particularly rivers), habitat destruction, dams that impede their biological cycle and illegal fishing, which has created a black market, fetching up to €5,000 per kilo.

Eels are the only fish that are targeted at their juvenile stage, on top of the fact that it takes them a long time to reach reproductive maturity.

These are the top 10 places to go in 2024

December 20, 2023 No Comments

With more people looking to travel to “traditional” destinations in a new way —think giving back, or exploring local cultures and making deeper connections— G Adventures has listed the most popular spots for 2024.

G Adventures’ founder, Bruce Poon Tip, says travellers have changed over the past three years and are now looking for deeper, more meaningful experiences. He notes that while they may be travelling less frequently, they’re staying longer in a single destination. “While they are there they want to connect with local people and their cultures, and to experience community tourism in its purest form,” Poon Tip says.

“We’re also still seeing a lot of travellers checking off those big ‘bucket list’ trips, with many making up for lost time, and they’re keen to stay active when they travel – that’s why we’re seeing such huge growth in some of our most iconic locations,” he added.

Where to go in 2024

Packed with the best destinations travellers can enjoy in 2024, the Where To Travel list focuses not just on meaningful community tourism experiences, but also places which have new and noteworthy reasons to visit.

Travellers can’t get enough of Japan since it reopened, with the land of the rising sun also seeing rising bookings. G Adventures reports a 134 per cent increase in bookings for 2024, and this trend is set to continue with the launch of the small group adventure operator’s Geluxe Collection of premium active trips.

The new Japan itinerary includes hiking the remote Michinoku Coastal Trail, which was constructed after the tsunami to bring community tourism back to Iwate. G Adventures is the first major operator to offer this hike.

GET THERE: G Adventures’ Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Michinoku Coastal Trail trip is priced from $10,299pp for an 11-day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Travellers will discover villages outside Kyoto by foot, as well as hiking up to the Unotori shrine in Fudai, Iwate, to witness a unique cultural performance that has all but died out in other parts of Japan.

The numbers don’t lie. Portugal has seen stand-out growth with traveller numbers tripling since 2019 and up 33 per cent compared to 2022. Affordable and accessible, with fantastic food, culture and history, there are plenty of reasons to want to visit this European gem.

New direct flights to Porto from Toronto with Azores Airlines will also give travellers more options to get there from summer 2024. We say go before it gets even more popular, as its star looks set to continue to rise.

GET THERE: G Adventures’ Highlights of Portugal itinerary is priced from $1,749pp for a seven-day trip from Lisbon to Porto. On this trip, travellers will sit down to a traditional meal to the sound of a Fado performance by Portuguese folk music artists in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods, and immerse themselves in history and culture at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Monastery of Batalha, Coimbra University, and the picturesque town of Sintra.

Uzbekistan and the ‘Stans in general – have become quite the hotspot as people look to check off big ‘bucket list’ destinations and get further afield to lesser-known countries. Uzbekistan has seen a 53 per cent increase year over year, also usurping 2019 by 16 percent.

The stunning Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent is set to open its doors in April 2024, and joins the Center for Contemporary Arts, which was opened in 2019, as two new cultural hubs set to attract the attention of travellers.

GET THERE: G Adventures’ Highlights of Uzbekistan trip is priced from $2,179pp for a 10-day trip from Tashkent return. During the trip, travellers will head out into the desert to visit Chashma Complex, a pilgrimage site in the territory of Nurata, dominated by ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, visit the remote Aydarkul Lake for a swim before continuing on for an overnight stay in a local yurt camp, where they enjoy an authentic Uzbekistan dinner and an evening Kazakh singing show.

India has picked up the pace in the past year with bookings doubling between 2022 and 2023. G Adventures partnership with National Geographic means exclusive experiences are built into every itinerary. Canadian travellers have had their visas restored, so expect numbers to increase as India continues its return to pre-pandemic prowess.

GET THERE: A National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures North India Highlights trip is priced from $2,179 per person from Delhi return. In Jaipur, known as the “Pink City,” travellers will meet with a local historian and sociology scholar to learn about India’s complex social fabric and traditions, and discuss a range of topics from the country’s belief systems to its architecture.

Vibrant and colourful Mexico has proven more popular than pre-pandemic, helped by the introduction of new trips to the G Adventures portfolio.These include two new Geluxe Collection premium active itineraries, which put a fresh active spin on what has been seen as a more traditional ‘beach’ destination. Up 24 per cent than in 2019, and 28 per cent when compared to last year, Mexico continues to make consistent gains.

GET THERE: A 14-day Mexico: Central Mexico & the Yucatan Peninsula trip is priced from $7,849pp, travelling from Oaxaca to Tulum. Travellers will wander the cobblestone streets and markets of Oaxaca and devour mole in Puebla, before biking through agave fields and taking a break from the heat with a swim in a jungle sinkhole near Merida.

Another country that was late to reopen but has doubled its traveller numbers since 2022 is Vietnam, which is also a great value choice for families looking for adventure on their next trip. With tasty food, beautiful sights and friendly people, it makes a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about a different culture in a fun and engaging way.

GET THERE: A 12-day Vietnam Family Adventure is priced from $2,019 per adult and $1,799 per child, travelling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. This trip visits Oodles of Noodles, a G for Good project supporting former street youth where travellers help prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles.

As travellers have started flocking back to Europe, Greece has seen huge growth, up 90 per cent from 2019 numbers and 24 per cent year on year. One of the best ways to avoid the crowds and get amongst it with locals, is by boat.

Taking travellers to remote islands to enjoy local cuisine and culture, G Adventures’ Sailing programme epitomizes community tourism, making sure wealth is distributed to lesser-known locales while still taking in the highlights of the islands.

GET THERE: A 10-day Sailing Greece – Santorini to Santorini trip is priced from $2,499 per person, travelling from Santorini return. On-shore experiences include strolling through the markets of Syros, uncovering the beauty of the Venetian ruins in Paros hiking through the trails and paths of Sifnos.

Thailand also continues its epic comeback, and we can expect it to boom even more as travellers head there before the ‘White Lotus Effect’ takes hold, with filming for the third season set to begin in 2024. Up 76 per cent in traveller numbers year on year, Thailand is still a solid choice for young travellers and backpackers looking for an affordable escape.

GET THERE: The Bangkok to Hanoi: Chiang Mai, Night Markets & Streetside Bars Roamies trip in partnership with Hostelworld is priced from $1,199pp for a nine day trip from Bangkok to Hanoi. This trip includes a visit to Yimsoo Cafe in Bangkok that offers training and economic opportunities for people living with disabilities.

With Asia trending since its reopening, South Korea has also proven a welcome surprise in terms of its popularity, with numbers doubling in 2023 compared to 2019. Helped by popular culture – K-Pop and K-dramas – South Korea also offers a wealth of traditional culture, incredible food, and exciting experiences for travellers.

GET THERE: An eight-day Best of South Korea trip is priced from $3,449 per person, travelling from Seoul return. Travellers will see the highlights in and around Seoul plus visit folk villages, unique Korean temples, and the bustling markets of Busan, as well as learning about the sombre history of North and South Korea and taking an excursion to the Demilitarized Zone separating the two.

Another popular post-Covid destination is Italy, which is up 30 per cent from 2019 numbers, and 24 per cent year on year. With travellers looking to head to their dream destinations, it makes sense that perennial favourite Italy would be high on everyone’s lists. With G Adventures’ Local Living programme, travellers are taken off the road most travelled to really experience what it is like to live like a local.

GET THERE: An eight-day Local Living Italy—Amalfi Coast trip is priced from $2,699 per person, travelling from Naples return. On this trip, travellers live like one of the region’s locals, discovering the small towns, mountain trails, and local customs of this uniquely beautiful place, tucking into bed at a converted 17th-century monastery home base.

For more information on G Adventures, please visit www.gadventures.com.

Accor is opening more than 85 stunning hotels in 2024

December 18, 2023 No Comments

Accor is opening the doors to an impressive collection of exciting new hospitality options across its spectrum of 40+ hospitality brands around the world.

Travellers of all ambitions, aesthetics, and demographics are sure to find a fascinating new place to visit in 2024.

With its global network and ‘multi-local’ ethos, Accor’s newest destinations are expected to become as popular with locals as they are with international jetsetters. The following is a glimpse into what Accor has in store for 2024.

Luxury hotels opening in 2024

Orient Express Grand Hotel de la Minerve

A heritage site in the heart of Rome, the hotel resides in the former Palazzo Fonseca, a sumptuous 17^th century palace with a huge and majestic façade. Opening late 2024.

Raffles Jaipur

With just 50 suites, all with private pools, the majestic hotel features a sense of old world charm with secluded residences and elegant courtyards, linking into the sprawling estate shared with Fairmont Jaipur. Opening mid 2024.

Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa

This property is an all-villa beachfront property on Sentosa Island, close to Singapore. Each of the 62 villas features a private pool with terrace, peace, and seclusion. Beyond the villas, guests will discover a bespoke bar, restaurants, spa and fitness centre, a multi-purpose celebration room, state-of-the-art meeting spaces, and a grand ballroom. Opening mid 2024.

Fairmont Golden Prague

Guests will love basking in the hotel’s modern spa with indoor and outdoor pools, noshing among its multiple restaurants and bars, and dancing the night away in the hotel’s grand ballroom. Opening late 2024.

Fairmont The Breakers, Long Beach

A revival of one of California’s best-known and beloved luxury hotels, the historic property will reopen after a significant restoration, creating 185 boutique rooms and suites; a rooftop pool and terrace; an open-air rooftop lounge with 360-degree views of the Pacific; a blissful two-story spa and more. Re-opening mid 2024.

Sofitel Shanghai North Bund

A stunning 25-story landmark hotel, featuring 300 opulent guest rooms and suites with outstanding views of the famous Shanghai skyline, Club Millésime, a Sofitel Spa and an ultramodern Sofitel fitness gym. Opening mid 2024.

Gigiri Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi – MGallery

This flagship hotel in Kenya is a sophisticated and comfortable haven, a multifaceted jewel, worthy of welcoming international dignitaries and UN ambassadors. MGallery layers in a hospitality experience that blends style with the substance of arts, culture and history, food and drinks that enliven the senses, and services that invoke a sense of wellbeing. Opening early 2024.

Lifestyle hotels opening in 2024

The following hotels will open under Accor’s lifestyle hotel portfolio:

25hours Hotel The Oddbird, Jakarta

At a place where the city is overtaken by Indonesia’s jungle, its distinctive design is an urban sanctuary full of contrasts, collisions, and a total of 345 rooms, including hotel and serviced residences. Opening early 2024.

Hyde London City

Set in a Grade II listed heritage property, the design of the seven-story, 111-room hotel pays homage to the building’s storied past. Progressive cultural programming informed by collaborations with some of the city’s most exciting chefs, creatives, and musicians will ensure that Hyde London City brings an entirely new perspective to this historic corner of the capital. Opening early 2024.

Hyde Perth

The first Hyde hotel to open in Australia, the property will offer 120 bohemian chic rooms, innovative dining concepts that present a global table of flavours, and a playful beach club. Opening late 2024.

JO&JOE Budapest

JO&JOE will have 390 beds in a variety of dorm-style shared rooms and bathrooms and private rooms with ensuite, with a lively restaurant, bar, rooftop, courtyard garden, and meeting spaces. Central social areas will draw guests in for engaging and immersive experiences like rentable pop-ups, exhibitions, events and DJ nights. Opening late 2024.

Mama Shelter Dubai Business Bay

Mama Shelter Dubai will be a highly alluring gem in the desert. Mosaic steps, colourful walls and eccentric hanging decorations brighten up every corner of this hotel, with 197 rooms and 204 apartment residences. Opening late 2024.

SLS Barcelona

The first destination for the brand in Europe, and the only five-star hotel in the city to feature a terrace off every one of the 471 guestrooms. Opening mid 2024.

The Hoxton, Vienna

Located in a 1950’s building, the hotel has 196 bedrooms, a spacious lobby and coffee bar, a restaurant and terrace, rooftop bar and pool and a basement speakeasy. Opening early 2024.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah

The resort will feature a private beach and 247 guest units, including 174 rooms and 73 villas with private pools, a Club Privé lounge, a fine-dining restaurant, a lounge bar, and two speciality beach restaurants. Opening late 2024.

Premium and economy hotels opening in 2024

The following Premium hotels from Accor will debut in 2024:

Pullman Taizhou Xianju
Mövenpick Wroclaw, Poland
Mövenpick Hotel Jakarta City Centre
Swissôtel Marianske Lazne Resort & Spa, Czech Republic

The following Economy hotels will open from Accor in 2024:

Hotel & Spa Fort Saint Laurent Lyon, France – Handwritten Collection
Handwritten Collection (Paris, France, name TBD)
Novotel Nara, Japan
Novotel Valencia, Spain
Novotel Tbilisi Center, Georgia
Novotel & ibis Styles Hamburg HafenCity
Mercure Portile de Fier Riviera, Romania
TRIBE Düsseldorf, Germany
TRIBE Milano Malpensa
ibis Styles Resort Maragogi

Additional key hotel openings for 2024

LUXURY

Fairmont La Hacienda, Costa Del Sol, Spain
Sofitel Cotonou Benin Marina, Benin
Sofitel Riyadh
Baron Amédée Armand Hotel & Spa, Marseille –
MGallery, France
Hotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery, Japan
Sanssouci Karpacz Hotel & Spa – MGallery, Poland
Domaine du Liziec Vannes – MGallery, France
Hotel Szczecin – MGallery, Poland
Hotel Chengdu – MGallery, China
Hotel Shenzhen Dalang – MGallery, China
Hotel Nanjing Tian’an Changjiang 100 – MGallery, China
Hotel Wuxi Dangkou Ancient Town – MGallery, China

ENNISMORE – LIFESTYLE

25hours Hotel Paper Island, Copenhagen
Hyde Bodrum, Turkey
JO&JOE Hangzhou Wulinmen, China
JO&JOE Shaoguan, China
JO&JOE Lanzhou, China
Mama Shelter Nice
The Hoxton, Edinburgh, Scotland
Rixos Golden Horn Istanbul, Turkey

PREMIUM, MIDSCALE & ECONOMY

Pullman Kolašin Breza, Montenegro
Pullman Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Pullman Manila at Primex Towner, The Philippines
Pullman Hai Phong Grand Hotel, Vietnam
Pullman Guizhou Renhuai Chuangmeng, China
Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers, Doha, Qatar
Swissôtel Living & Residences Antalya, Turkey
Mövenpick Living İstanbul Saklıvadi, Turkey
Mövenpick Mondello Palace, Italy
Grand Mercure Wuxi Huishan, China
Grand Mercure Changzhou Luoxi, China
Peppers Gladstone, Australia
Square Lodge Hotel La Roche-sur-Yon – Handwritten Collection, France
Novotel Hamburg Central Station, Germany
Novotel Bomonti, Turkey
Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1, Cambodia
Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort, Cambodia
Novotel Goa Panjim, India
Novotel New Delhi City Centre, India
Novotel Riyadh Sahafa, Saudi Arabia
Novotel & Adagio Rouen, France
Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, Australia
Novotel Recife Marina, Brazil
Novotel Living Chengdu Tianfu, China
Novotel Nanjing Airport, China
Mercure Bangkok Surawong, Thailand
Mercure Chandigarh, India
Mercure Lucknow Ekana Sportz City, India
Adagio Chengdu Jiantou, China
Adagio Abidjan Marcory, Ivory Coast
TRIBE Clichy, France
TRIBE Pantin, France
TRIBE Riga, Latvia
TRIBE Auckland Fort Street, New Zealand
ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, The Philippines
ibis Styles Villejuif, France
ibis Styles Serpong BSD City, Indonesia

Textured cocktails and flavoured salts are next top culinary trends

December 15, 2023 No Comments

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle portfolio, is returning with its annual Culinary + Cocktail Trend Forecast, highlighting predictions from its vast team of global culinary and beverage experts that will be featured on plates and bar menus in 2024.

From global salts and seacuterie, to textured cocktails and umami flavors, Kimpton is forecasting both new and evolving trends that will further enhance the dining experience.

Kicking off in December 2023 and continuing throughout 2024, guests will have the opportunity to experience many of these trends at Kimpton restaurants and bars across the globe.

2024 culinary trends

Salt with a story

While salt is one of the most common ingredients in cooking, expect to see a noticeable shift to unrefined salts (Black Hawaiian Salt, Kala Namak, Persian Blue Salt, Celtic Salt, Fleur de Sel) as consumers move away from table salt staples in search of something far more unique to add to their favorite dishes.

Sourcing will also be a priority for many chefs, working with global salt producers to identify salts from around the world and understand their history and use cases.

Tinned fish and “seacuterie”

In the last year, luxury tinned fish sales have soared as people embrace seafood’s diverse range of flavors and sustainable practices.

Expect to see more unique conservas on charcuterie boards as well as dedicated ‘seacuterie’ boards including samplings of luxury canned fish like Spanish sardines in olive oil, habanero smoked oysters, and Maine eel smoked in alderwood packed in California olive oil.

Cabbage is king

Cabbage will take over plates as culinary professionals and consumers alike turn to the cruciferous vegetable for its versatility, taste and texture.

Both well-known varieties such as Napa, Savoy and Red Cabbage and the more coveted Caraflex or Conehead cabbage will be showcased in a multitude of ways on menus including charred, fermented, roasted, braised, and even caramelized.

Creative dry-aging

The technique of dry aging has grown in popularity and is increasingly sought after by consumers. Leveraging the proper equipment, dry aging provides enhanced control of texture, adds depth of flavour and complexity to elevate any dish.

With dry aging, chefs are able to push beyond beef into more interesting dishes with duck, lamb and fin fish. Vegetables like beets and carrots are being dry aged with koji to create a charcuterie-like texture and flavor.

Even spirits like bourbon and gin are being treated with dry aging techniques to take cocktails to the next level.

Pastry makes a comeback

Consumers are saving room for dessert as chefs roll out inventive confections.

Kimpton is particularly seeing a rise in Asian and French influences for the sweetest course.

Guests can expect to see a rise in sweet and savoury combinations, such as carrot mochi and chocolate smoked salt croissants with alternate sugars like date-based sugar, beet sugar and coconut sugar growing more prominent.

2024 cocktail trends

Along with food trends, Kimpton has released the following predictions for cocktail offerings in 2024:

Textured cocktails for the senses

Rose and pistachio dust, dragon fruit crisp and edible helium bubble clouds are some of the sensory ingredients diners will soon find on bar menus in 2024 to add texture and visual appeal to the liquid base.

A new wave of umami

Kimpton bar leaders predict more experimentation with different types of fat washing as a new way to create smooth, creamy and velvety undercurrents in spirits rather than more traditional sweet syrups. Expect to find creations like a salmon martini or beverages using unique washing ingredients such as duck confit and spam.

Pantry ingredients featured in cocktails

Bars will incorporate ingredients from the kitchen to up level cocktail and non-alcoholic beverages, including biquinho peppers, salsa macha, soy sauce, fish sauce, whole cacao, black tahini, lion’s mane and sweetened condensed milk as an alternative to more traditional cocktail infusions.

Over-the-top garnishes

From snap peas to using 3D printers, simple garnishes will evolve to elaborate final flourishes that completely transform a cocktail from salty and savory to citrusy and bright in an instant.

Cinnamon revisited

Breaking out of its autumnal shell, the versatility of cinnamon will offer dynamic flavor pairings as a popular additive and bridge to trans-seasonal beverages and dishes, like cinnamon and smoked salt coffee and chica moradas.

Unique Latin American spirits

While tequila, gin and bourbon continue to shine on menus, 2024 will see the rise of Latin American spirits and liquors such as Aguariente, Singani and Cocuy, served within craft cocktails or enjoyed on the rocks.