Mexico is getting its first-ever Margaritaville resort

February 27, 2023

The first ever adults-only Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma in Riviera Maya, Mexico is set to open its doors in early 2023.

With more 13 luxury suite types available, the accommodations are designed to create the ultimate travel experience to meet and exceed the most seasoned traveller’s needs and wants.
 
Guests can choose from spacious King Paradise Suite, exclusive Beachfront Honeymoon Suites, and sumptuous Coral Reefer Suites, complete with more than 1,400 sq. ft. of signature outdoor living space, including a fully furnished terrace, an oversized private infinity pool, a custom-built gaucho style grill, and an outdoor pool table.
 

New food & drink offerings

Guests will have the option to indulge in mouth watering creations at the five Margaritaville-inspired restaurants and a beachside grill offering carefully-curated cuisine, featuring a la carte menus and food displays to delight every palate.
 
In addition to brand staples like Frank and Lola’s, the resort will introduce two newcomers including:

Far Side Of The World – Pacific Rim Cuisine

  • Inspired by the lyrics of the Far Side of the World song, “Far side of the world” is about the pleasure of faraway places, unique culinary selections, surfing paradises, bamboo shacks, the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, and the bounty it provides. 

Salted Rim – Margarita Bar & Lounge

  • Salted Rim is a celebration of the agave plant in Mexico. Guests can revel in Caribbean elegance with the finest lounge service, authentic and extensive selection of tequilas, mezcals, and bacanoras, to create an array of Margaritas and more adventurous creations.

For more information on Margaritaville Island Reserve, click here.

One of Costa Rica’s best boutique hotels just got a lavish upgrade

February 24, 2023

Cala Luna Boutique Hotel, located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, has undergone a series of renovations intended to elevate the guest experience.

Sparked by the pandemic, the property underwent several renovations to its facilities and experience offers. The remodeled rooms, villas, and restaurants have been elevated. The experience programming focuses on creating lasting feelings for guests and transformational experiences unique to Cala Luna’s location, including educational visits to its nearby farm, La Senda, which supplies the hotel with organic fruits, vegetables and spices. The dining has been revamped with a new apothecary cocktail menu as well as a new take on Costa Rican modern cuisine. 

About Cala Luna 

Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas is one of the only hotels in Guanacaste, Costa Rica that remains green all year round.

With few barriers between the hotel and nature, the 39-room boutique hotel is tucked within Costa Rica’s Playa Langosta and the Baulas National Park, the most exclusive, relaxing and private area of Tamarindo Beach. Cala Luna is a tropical, sustainable oasis just two-and-a-half-miles south of Liberia Airport.

Committed to its local community and environment, Cala Luna boasts the highest Sustainable Tourism certification (level 5) from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).  Open-plan spaces and secluded accommodations meld into the lush jungle that attracts more wildlife than anywhere else in the area – monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, birds, insects, and humans.

Guests can nourish their senses daily through delicious home-grown ingredients, gastronomic farm-to-table dinners, holistic wellness, spa therapies, and deep connection to Mother Earth, all onsite. From dining at nearby farm La Senda and walking the world’s largest labyrinth, to sipping cocktails on the beach as the sun slips over the edge of the ocean, Cala Luna offers the ideal holistic retreat.

For more information about the property, visit www.calaluna.com. 

Here’s a look at the latest hotel and resort openings around the world

February 10, 2023

A look at the latest hotel and resort news from fresh renovations to brand new properties and noteworthy packages. 

Hotel La Compañía, The Unbound Collection

With the opening of its American Wing, Hotel La Compañía, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt’s first property in Central America, has completed the final phase of the hotel’s seven-year restoration.

The new addition houses four of the hotel’s food and beverage outlets and completes the hotel’s creation as a living museum. Guests can catch a glimpse into the American period of the Panama Canal construction. The hotel opened in Panama’s Casco Antiguo in April 2022 and is deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While the main section of the hotel dates back to a 17th century Jesuit convent, the Beaux-Art era design of the American Wing is Hotel La Compañía’s youngest building, originally a high-end department store called American Bazaar in 1904. The American Wing’s 23 guestrooms reflect a vintage-era inspiration from the early 20th century with elegant wainscoting panels accentuated with a timeless black and white photo wall.

NUMU Boutique Hotel

For clients heading to the picturesque destination of San Miguel de Allende, NUMU Boutique Hotel is now open.

The hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, features 44 luxury guestrooms including four suites, with each room boasting a private terrace or balcony overlooking either the interior garden or the surrounding cobblestone streets.

The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Maura, mesa de sal, offers southeastern Mexico cuisine with panoramic views of the city. Bar El Caminero is the hotel’s lobby bar, is home of the signature cocktail, “San Miguel”, with London Dry Gin, hoja santa, yellow chartreuse and tonic water. 

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site, San Miguel de Allende is known for its rich culture and architecture with brightly coloured doors, private courtyards, plazas and centuries of history.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort

One Happy Island is home to a new Hilton property. Guests can now check into Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, an all-suite resort located six miles from the Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort features 330 two-room suites, with a contemporary design inspired by Aruba’s iconic beaches. Rooms sleep up to six guests and are available as two queens or one king bed, with the living area offering extra seating and a sleeper sofa.

Dining areas offer a wet bar outfitted with a microwave, mini-fridge and coffee maker to create the perfect homebase to socialize with family and friends. Most rooms offer balconies, designed to enjoy the expansive views of the ocean, nature or pool.

citizenM Chicago Downtown  

Chicago bound travellers can now check into citizenM Chicago Downtown, a 280-room hotel that opened its doors in the last quarter of 2022. The hotel is situated between the Riverwalk and Millennium Park within a 47-story tower which also includes 289 residential units and 25,000 square feet of retail space.

The hotel facade features a commissioned piece by Illinois-born, New York-based Nina Chanel Abney, whose artwork also appears in the entrance. The hotel has a 24/7 gym and three societyM meeting rooms, which are available for half- and full-day bookings to both guests and the public, and rooms feature XL beds.

Hyatt brand to debut in Tokyo mid-2024

February 8, 2023

Slated to open by mid-2024, Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will have 126 rooms and will be an ideal mid- to long-stay living accommodation situated just steps away from the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will mark the entry of the Hyatt House brand in Tokyo, further demonstrating Hyatt’s intentional brand growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will make guests feel genuinely at home with an elevated, spacious, and perfectly self-sufficient experience close to offices and commercial facilities in Shibuya. The Sakuragaoka area, just southwest of the Shibuya station where the hotel will be located, is being redeveloped as part of a major transformation of the Shibuya district, one of Tokyo’s most popular areas for entertainment, shopping, fashion, and dining. The area’s diverse new urban facilities will enhance Tokyo’s international competitiveness and create an ideal living and working environment for overseas guests.

Feel at home

Each of the hotel’s 126 spacious guestrooms, ranging in size from approximately 344 to 915 square feet (32 to 85 square meters), will offer home-like amenities including a well-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, plush bed, and cozy living room. The lobby will face an airy rooftop garden and the property will feature an indoor swimming pool, lounge, H Bar, and restaurant.

In addition, Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya’s communal space, fitness room, and other facilities will be designed to appeal to modern, self-sufficient travelers who appreciate relaxing, socializing and working as if they were at home.

Once open, Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will be the second Hyatt House-branded property in Japan, joining Hyatt House Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture, as well as a global portfolio of more than 125 locations worldwide.

Luxury Toronto hotel shows off new upgraded suites

February 3, 2023

W Toronto has unveiled  three premium suite categories, joining the Yorkville hotspot’s sophisticatedly playful guest room lineup.

Designed by global creative agency, Sid Lee, the new suites at W Toronto continue the hotel’s celebration of the city’s iconic street and performance art scenes, cultural diversity, and legacy of non-conformity.   

“Since our debut last summer, W Toronto has been welcoming guests from all over the world who are in search of the unique and unexpected when it comes to a luxury-lifestyle hotel stay,” said Perry Pisani, Director of Sales & Marketing. “From our striking guest rooms to our wildly popular rooftop bar, we have delivered and are now raising the stakes even higher with a collection of suites that will take a stay at W Toronto to the next level.”

Playful interior designs

Perfect for entertaining or simply an extraordinary hotel stay, the six new suites at W Toronto are available now for booking. All offer a nod to old Toronto glamour while celebrating the neighbourhood’s counterculture past and modern day, illustrious theatre district.

Each suite features theatrical design elements – from shimmery tassel curtains and lighting adorning each plush, velvet bed frame to rich jewel tones that make every guest feel as though they are centre- stage.

Other touches include artwork and biophilia inside each room that embrace the city’s juxtaposition of nature with the man-made metropolis. Examples include fashion-forward 3D black and silver metallic faces and painted panels inspired by nature in hues of light pink and purple. Each bed also features “I Miss You”, a pillow featuring original art by local artist Julia Mercanti, illustrating the desire for human connection. Lastly, all suites feature spacious living spaces for gatherings, intimate events (or a good old private dance party) as well as a fully stocked MIXBAR (minibar) flanked by a gold orb designed to showcase drinks for guests.

Suite categories

Extreme WOW Suites (Presidential) 

Two, 1,765 square foot bi-level suites featuring a bedroom, workspace and spacious, spa-inspired bathroom on the second level with round soaker tub and a shower for two. With city views, the E-WOW Suites include an expanded living room space, a dining table for eight and a full kitchenette complete with an oversized MIX Bar for entertaining.

WOW Suites (Vice Presidential) 

Facing both the city and the courtyard (for prime people watching), the two, 1,090 square foot WOW Suites feature an expansive entertaining and dining space; a separate bedroom where the bed is flanked with dramatic, shimmery tassel curtains for peek-a-boo style privacy and a spa-inspired bathroom with jet and rainfall showers (with one WOW featuring a soaker tub).

Amplified Studio Suites 

Featuring a large, open-concept bedroom and living space with plenty of plush seating – perfect for a cocktail hour with friends – the two, 667 sq. ft Amplified Studio Suites also feature workspaces, bathrooms with dual vanities and rainfall showers.

 

One of Arizona’s top resorts is being rebranded this summer

January 30, 2023

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is rebranding the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch to Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa in late 2024, which will mark the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona.

The hotel’s ownership group, Xenia Hotels and Resorts, plans to invest approximately $110 million to fully transform the property into a Grand Hyatt hotel, creating a bold, vibrant and elevated experience for guests.

The resort will undergo extensive renovations and enhancements of its guest rooms, pools, food and beverage outlets, well-known Spa Avania and fitness centre and key public areas and amenities, including the expansion of the hotel’s indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces.

Renovations starting this summer

Renovation of Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is expected to begin in early summer 2023 in a phased approach with an anticipated completion in late 2024. The hotel will remain in operation during the renovation process – minimizing impact to the guest experience as much as possible.

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa will offer guests unparalleled service and spectacular experiences surrounded by the majestic McDowell Mountains, celebrating the best of what the destination has to offer. 

About the resort

The 27-acre resort is situated in the heart of one of Scottsdale’s most prestigious areas, offering one of the most exciting 2.5-acre water playgrounds in Arizona and top-rated golf courses in the southwest with an array of activities to enjoy and experience.

The property recently completed enhancements to the grand entryway, which now features a one-of-a-kind sculptural installation, designed and created by artist and architect Paolo Soleri. Additionally, guests can enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran landscape at the new Desert Garden event venue, available for weddings, meetings and social activities.

To learn more about the Grand Hyatt brand, please visit grandhyatt.com. For more information, please visit hyattregencyscottsdale.com.

 

Accor launches new collection of bespoke hotels

January 23, 2023

 Accor has announced an exciting new addition to the Group’s unparalleled network of brands: Handwritten Collection, a global portfolio of charming bespoke hotels that offer an intimate and stylish hospitality experience.

Accor already has more than 110 Handwritten leads globally totalling more than 11,500 rooms, including 12 secured signings, with five properties expected to debut throughout the first trimester of 2023. 

Handwritten Collection properties opening over the next several months include Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Handwritten Collection in Shanghai, China; Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa, Handwritten Collection in Saint Gervais, France; Wonil Hotel Perth, Handwritten Collection in Perth, Australia; Hotel Morris, Handwritten Collection in Sydney, Australia; and Le Splendid Hotel Lac d’Annecy, Handwritten Collection in Annecy, France.

Additional properties will open throughout the remainder of the year and beyond, including Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre, France; Oru Hub Hotel, Handwritten Collection in Tallinn, Estonia; Square Lodge Hotel La Roche sur Yon, Handwritten Collection in La Roche-sur-Yon, France; Sunrise Premium Resort, Handwritten Collection in Hoi An, Vietnam; Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur*, Handwritten Collection in Paris, France as well as properties in Bucharest, Romania and Madrid, Spain.

The Handwritten Collection portfolio is expected to reach more than 250 hotels by 2030.

With the creation of Handwritten Collection, Accor is broadening its unrivalled brand portfolio and midscale hotel offerings and will look to replicate the success it has achieved with the Group’s other collection brands across other segments. This includes the MGallery Hotel Collection, a storied portfolio in the upper upscale brand segment that now counts more than 100 boutique hotels worldwide and Emblems Collection, Accor’s first luxury collection brand, a carefully curated selection of distinctive hotels that are emblematic of their destination, designer or place in history. With a similar bespoke approach, Handwritten Collection will bring together hotels with individual personalities, intimately reflecting the character and warmth of the people who love and look after them. Like a handwritten note, each host’s individual touches will be subtly encountered at select moments throughout the guest journey. From a warm welcome that cascades into conversation, to freshly baked treats that have guests sneaking seconds into their pockets, no two hotels or stays will be the same.

A host with passion

Handwritten Collection offers a variety of hotels that are so distinct, it’s as if each local hotelier were inviting guests into their charming and stylish homes.

The guest experience at Handwritten Collection brings to life the spirit of the host: their tastes, their passions and the little quirks of their personality.

Each local hotelier provides a charming presence that weaves their character and personality into the fabric of their hotel, engaging guests with local wisdom and delightful conversation, bringing a personalized energy to the guest experience.

Designed for independent hoteliers

The Handwritten Collection is also designed with the needs of independent hotel owners in mind.

With a current conversion rate of 80 per cent, the bulk of properties joining Handwritten Collection will be conversion projects rather than new builds, requiring a simpler transition and ramp up process and a more sustainable growth and development model.

The brand’s standards are designed to be flexible, light, and easy to attain. Moreover, Handwritten Collection provides direct ROI and the opportunity for owners to maximize revenue with immediate access to the power and reach of Accor’s sales, distribution and loyalty platforms, while also benefiting from the Group’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) capabilities.

Upcoming openings

Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Handwritten Collection, Shanghai, China Opening 19 January 2023 

Close to Sheshan National Park, Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental has over 124,000 square meters of landscaped gardens, including an outdoor beach pool for an unforgettable urban resort experience. Opening as the first Handwritten Collection hotel, the property offers a dedicated service team to set up and manage tea breaks and create bespoke dining experiences for guests.

Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa, Handwritten Collection, Saint Gervais, France
Opening 19 January 2023

Designed as a chic and arty holiday home, Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa combines the spirit of the art nouveau movement with contemporary tastes, bringing to life the beauty of a historic home. Ottoman culture will also come to life throughout the guest experience in elements such as a library corner, Turkish coffee and herbal tea infusions available in the spa.

Wonil Hotel Perth, Handwritten Collection, Perth, Australia
Early February 2023

Located on the bank of Swan River next to Kings Park and just minutes from Perth’s central business district, Wonil Hotel offers a chic modern setting. Guests will enjoy this stylish home base from which to explore a vibrant city known for its endless sunshine and pristine beaches.

Hotel Morris, Handwritten Collection, Sydney, Australia
Opening February 2023

Housed within a striking Italian Renaissance styled building, the 82-bed Hotel Morris reopens as part of the Handwritten Collection after a major restoration, intertwining European elegance with Australian character, honoring the hotel’s historic roots.

Le Splendid Hotel Lac d’Annecy, Handwritten Collection, Annecy, France
Opening April 2023

Close to the city center and Lake Annecy, Splendid Hotel offers unique Art Deco characteristics with a touch of 1950s modernity within its architecture. The hotel’s decor from renowned Designer Thierry D’Istria is complemented by a selection of eclectic artwork, sculptures and vintage pieces.

Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre, Handwritten Collection, Toulouse, France
Opening May 2023

In the heart of the city’s historic center, on the most beautiful avenue, the Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Center invites guests to discover its charming and warm-hearted atmosphere. Originally built as a historic private mansion, this hotel elegantly combines the charm of the Toulouse brick vaults with modern comforts and new sustainable design elements.

Oru Hub Hotel, Handwritten Collection, Tallinn, Estonia
Opening May 2023

Located in the center of Tallinn in the historic old town and a short drive to the coast, Oru Hub Hotel boasts Yoga facilities and a Tea Room. After two years of major renovations, the hotel will launch a new guest experience concept combining leisure, work and food in a unique way.

Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur*, Handwritten Collection, Paris, France
Opening Spring 2024

With a typical Parisian facade and boasting intimate and cozy rooms, the Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur is located a few minutes walk from Sacré-Coeur basilica and the cobbled streets of the beautiful Montmartre neighborhood. The hotel will serve as an ideal base to explore France’s capital and all it has to offer.

With a plan to grow the collection to 250 properties by 2030, Accor is actively seeking new properties to be part of Handwritten Collection in popular travel destinations across the globe.

Marriott planning to open 35 new luxury hotels this year

January 16, 2023

Marriott International plans to introduce more than 35 luxury hotels in 2023, delivering the unique and meaningful experiences desired by today’s luxury traveller.

Boasting an unrivaled portfolio of luxury brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott, and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International continues to push the boundaries, reimagining travel with a globally inspired perspective that defines the future of luxury.

With an unparalleled footprint of nearly 500 luxury hotels and resorts in 68 countries and territories today, Marriott International is poised to further its position as the global leader in luxury hospitality with more than 200 luxury properties in the development pipeline. From Kenya to Singapore and Japan to Mexico, more than 35 new hotels are slated to open next year in sought-after and emerging destinations around the world.

The Ritz-Carlton

In 2023, the brand expects to open two new hotels in North America, including its first property in America’s Pacific Northwest region with The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, and The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie in Arizona’s coveted Scottsdale area.

Set above the city skyline, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, is slated to grow the brand’s footprint in Australia next year, while The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, is expected to deliver a new offering in the business district of this southwestern Japanese city. Ritz-Carlton Reserve anticipates expanding its exclusive portfolio in 2023 with Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve close to the historic Chinese valley of Jiuzhaigou and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located off the West Coast of Saudi Arabia and part of the country’s Red Sea project.  

St. Regis Hotels

In 2023 the brand expects to debut The St. Regis Kanai Resort, an enchanting haven nestled in a 620-acre nature reserve along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula with ocean views from every guestroom. In the year ahead St. Regisalso anticipates expanding its footprint in North America with The St. Regis Chicago.

The iconic brand is also slated to bring its acclaimed Butler Service and storied legacy to Belgrade and is expected to open its first two properties in Saudi Arabia by debuting a hotel in Riyadh and a resort located on its own private island within the Red Sea project. This past year also marked St. Regis openings in Qatar, India, Kuwait, and Indonesia.

W Hotels

Looking ahead to 2023, W Hotels anticipates debuting in Prague, Budapest, Edinburgh, Sydney, Macau, and Milan.

Also slated for later next year, W New York – Union Square and W Hollywood are expected to emerge newly transformed, embodying the fully reimagined W experience.

EDITION Hotels

EDITION Hotels is rapidly expanding internationally in 2023 with new openings planned across several regions, including the brand’s first properties in Italy, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.

With 15 hotels currently in the global portfolio, EDITION is projected to grow its personal and intimate hospitality experience to 21 total destinations by the end of 2023, with expected openings next year to include Rome, Riviera Maya at Kanai, Tokyo, Ginza, Singapore, Jeddah, and Doha.

A look inside one of Europe’s best private villas

January 11, 2023

Located in the Bay of Sant Miquel, just off the north coast of Ibiza, Isla Sa Ferradura is an ultra-luxury private island of 377,000 sq. ft. which is connected to the main island by a small, hidden two-sided beach.

The primary villa is set within magnificently landscaped gardens offering approximately 13,000 sq. ft. of indoor living space and accommodations for up to 20 overnightguests.

The villa consists of 1 sumptuous master suite and nine additional, luxuriously appointed double bedrooms with ensuite facilities. Private terraces as well as the spectacular 8000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace abound allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean surroundings and the panoramic sea views.

“Isla Sa Ferradura is a discreet hideaway for the discerning few and features privacy and amenities that are found on only a handful of properties around the globe at most,” said managing director Ulf Karow. “Our highly trained international team of 23 is prepared to cater to every need and to provide an unparalleled experience for all guests.”

Isla Sa Ferradura is a two-time recipient of Europe’s Best Private Villa (2018 and 2021) and represents the finest in villa accommodations available in Ibiza and beyond. 

Weekly rental fees for the 2023 season are now available.

 

 

Igloo-style dome hotels to open on Mount Baker

December 16, 2022

Legendary ski resort Mount Baker, WA, will soon be able to boast an exciting new campus of sustainably built domed cottages, as luxury vacation accommodation brand Oculis drums up investment on Wefunder.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the accommodation industry has seen a significant shift towards lodging options that afford guests as much privacy as possible. This includes vacation rentals (popularized by platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO) and “glamping” – a lodging format that combines glamour and camping. Oculis: Mountain Side combines the best of these two trends while offering amenities more commonly found at traditional resorts and hotels, such as food & beverage service, wi-fi, and full in-unit kitchens.

Oculis founder Youri Benoiston is no stranger to this kind of project and saw success during his time as co-founder of the popular Igloo Beach Lodge venture in Costa Rica. He is now set to use his experience in this area to bring an igloo-style dome hotel to the beautiful Mount Baker – an underserved location that has been awarded an A+ rating on AirDNA.

Oculis combines the best parts of glamping and hotels: the simplicity and connection with nature that glamping provides, along with the luxury amenities expected from hotels, such as 24/7 service, plush comfort, WIFI, hot tubs, and smart technology.

For more information, click here.