Adults-only paradise opens in the heart of Tulum’s jungle

October 6, 2023 No Comments

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club, part of World of Hyatt, is now open.

The 300-suite and private villa adults-only resort’s opening marks the expansion of the Inclusive Collection’s presence in Mexico to 44 total resorts and the twelfth Secrets Resort & Spa branded property in the country.

Perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Tulum, just minutes from the beach within the luxury Aldea Zama Complex, Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club pays homage to the surroundings. Minutes away from the property is Secrets Tulum Beach Club, providing a lively atmosphere and pristine beaches, while the nearby city of Tulum fuels exploration to the ancient Mayan sites.

The resort, which also features a beachfront villa at the Secrets Tulum Beach Club, was designed by award winning architect Michael Edmond. With cenote-style architecture, circular buildings and peaceful courtyards, guests are surrounded by serene and modern environment in a romantic setting, with décor elements of water, wood, and endemic lush vegetation.

Luxurious accommodations

Majestic views of the exotic landscape, pools and jungle-inspired areas await guests at Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club, with 300 elegant suites appointed with contemporary organic material with endemic wood elements for the ultimate sanctuary.

Unique bathrooms are featured in each suite, with rock elements and round spa-like soaking tubs on the terraces, while swim out suites offer a secluded, luxurious experience. Upgraded amenities and mini-bar service provide an extra level of luxury, and a private furnished balcony or terrace allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the rich vegetation and natural surroundings of the resort.

For guests looking for an elevated level of luxury, Preferred Club suites offer all standard amenities and services as well as additional amenities and services such as suites in premium locations, a private lounge, privileged location and amenities, upgraded mini-bar service, exclusive rooftop plunge pool and beach style swimming pool, upgraded bathroom amenities, complimentary access to the hydrotherapy circuit once per stay, and more.

Located at Secrets Tulum Beach Club is an extraordinary five-bedroom private villa, which offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. With a capacity of 10 guests, this beachfront villa is decorated with an earthy, barefoot luxury style, featuring Chukum, a tree native to Tulum, finishes, stone and marble touches, and a private elevator. Guests are pampered in luxury with a private chef and 24-hour concierge services, lounge areas, private living space, a private plunge pool, and a rooftop replete with wet bar for relaxation with stunning views of the sunset.

Culinary offerings

Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club offers eight dining options, including three à la carte gourmet restaurants, all without reservations required. Serving regional favorites from around the world, dishes are appointed in a fresh interpretation, featuring Mediterranean, Asian, and multiple international cuisines.

For a more secluded experience, 24-hour dining offers the opportunity to dine from their suite. Special menu options, such as gluten-free and vegetarian, are also available for guests to enjoy.

Culinary adventures await guests at the resort, including gourmet cooking classes, tequila tastings and themed dining nights, while the Chef’s Table tour of the kitchen and appetizers, wine tasting, and romantic dinners are available for an additional cost.

Alongside the eight dining options, four bars and lounges are available for guests to enjoy including a rooftop bar, music lounge and sports bar serving top-shelf spirits and premium domestic and international beverages.

Beach Club

Located in the heart of Tulum’s picturesque Hotel Zone, Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club offers the Secrets Tulum Beach Club just minutes from the main resort. Guests will enjoy a lively atmosphere by the ocean, with two eateries and a bar with magnificent ocean views, allowing guests to savor tropical drinks or grab a bite to eat while relaxing in a Bali bed overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

The Secrets Tulum Beach Club offers private spa cabins and shower rooms, allowing guests to unwind for the day with ease.

For more information, visit hyattinclusivecollection.com

Stunning hotel opens inside a palace on island of Madeira

September 25, 2023 No Comments

The Reserve is an exclusive luxury hotel concept set within the renowned Savoy Palace in Madeira, Portugal.

At The Reserve, every detail is carefully curated to create a truly exceptional stay. From the moment their booking is confirmed at this premier hideaway, they are connected with their own GEPA (The Reserve’s acronym for Guest Experience Personal Assistant), via email and WhatsApp, which tailors and prepares the stay to the guests’ specific requests and requirements prior to arrival.

To ensure a seamless visit, guests staying at The Reserve and Savoy Palace can enjoy the signature private car service (for an extra fee) upon their arrival and departure at Madeira International Airport, allowing for a smooth and hassle-free transition and being the perfect addition to the meet and greet service at the airport, which is complimentary to all guests at The Reserve on both arrival and departure.

Once guests arrive at the hotel, a dedicated private elevator will take them from the street-level lobby to the 16th floor of the Savoy Palace building where guests will find the Jacarandá Lounge & Club – the heart of The Reserve. Here guests will find a stunning rooftop pool, offering a panoramic view of Funchal, exclusive to The Reserve guests, which further enhances the already VIP experience. 

Contemporary suites

The Reserve presents an array of 40 elegantly appointed rooms designed to cater to various preferences. The spacious pool suites offer a private sanctuary, with a personal terrace and very own plunge pool; while the deluxe rooms provide a cozy retreat with serene sea views of the breathtaking Funchal Bay.

Every suite is thoughtfully furnished with lavish bedding and contemporary amenities, assuring the highest degree of comfort and relaxation within an ambiance of unmatched privacy and luxury.

The decor in the rooms consists of four different color palettes inspired by the colors and flora of the beautiful island of Madeira. 

Central to the concept of The Reserve is the dedicated GEPA available around the clock. As the single point of contact for all guest needs, the GEPA liaises with all hotel departments and external parties and manages, monitors, adjusts and adapts the different aspects of the guest’s stay and activities in the island to ensure a flawless and personalized visit tailored to each guest’s desires. 

With its soft opening scheduled for Dec. 1 and grand opening for Jan. 15, 2024, The Reserve is poised to become the ultimate destination for discerning travelers seeking an extraordinary experience in Madeira Island, Portugal. 

This week-long trip in a Rolls Royce through Napa Valley is a must for foodies

September 20, 2023 No Comments

Luxury car aficionados and culinary enthusiasts are invited this fall to experience one of North America’s food and wine capitals during a week-long driving journey through Napa Valley.

Announced earlier this year, the complete Four Seasons Drive Experience through Napa Valley itinerary from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, 2023 is now available to book. Celebrating the romance of road travel, guests will explore Napa Valley via customized routes in one of several luxury and sports cars available for rent, including a Rolls Royce Cullinan, McLaren GT, Lamborghini Aventador S, Ferrari F8 Spider, Bentley Continental, Aston Martin DBX, and a Porsche Taycan to name a few. 

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley welcomes guests to a one-of-a-kind wine country resort set within a world-class working vineyard.

Home to Elusa Winery, the property features panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards, a distinctive indoor-outdoor environment, and the best of grape-to-glass lifestyle when not on the road.

Day 1

Guests will arrive at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley and will be treated to a wine tasting at Elusa Winery prior to a welcome dinner at the Resort’s vineyard Barn while being serenaded by the sounds of live acoustic music. Other surprise touches await to take the evening from the magical to the sublime.

Day 2

A scenic drive with ocean views along the California coastline takes guests to Hog Island Oyster Co., where they will indulge in a tasting session while mastering the art of oyster shucking. 

The coastal landscape is contrasted by drives through ancient redwoods followed by a dining experience at Promontory Winery, located in an unmarked territory beyond the southwestern borderlands of Oakville with majestic views of Napa Valley.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

Day 3

Guests will start their day with breakfast at Auro, Calistoga’s only Michelin-starred dining destination, with the sprawling Palisades Mountains as its backdrop. This is followed by a half-day drive to Chappellet Winery for a private picnic lunch overlooking views of Lake Hennessey.

Chappellet is renowned for producing some of the highest-standard Cabernet Sauvignons and mountain-grown wines and is recognized as one of the great Napa Valley wineries.  Thereafter, guests embark on a lakeside drive towards Cervantes Family Vineyard Ranch, a remote and rugged 1,100-acre (445 hectare) ranch in the far eastern reaches of Napa Valley.

Upon arrival, guests can engage in activities including skeet shooting, horse-riding, and a grape picking experience, followed by an eventful evening of dining, dancing and entertainment and a shuttle service on standby for seamless transfer back to the resort.

Day 4

Guests will first stop for a tour at SingleThread Farm, a 24-acre (10 hectare) working farm located in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country.  The tour includes simple delights such as a flower posy-making experience, followed by an indulgent six-course Michelin-starred lunch at Single Thread Restaurant, exclusive to Drive attendees. 

While at the resort between activities, guests can spend their leisure time indulging in a signature spa treatment at Spa Talisa, exploring the surrounding hiking trails, playing tennis, or lounging by the scenic pool. The journey continues with a wine-tasting tour at Opus One Winery, known for cultivating five traditional Bordeaux grape varieties.

The day winds to a close with a scenic dinner featuring wine pairings and picturesque views.

Auro, Michelin-starred Restaurant at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

Day 5

The day begins with a breathtaking morning drive to San Francisco Bay, where guests will indulge in local Californian cuisine alongside panoramic vistas of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. An atmospheric journey through the Napa Valley during harvest season follows and concludes with an intimate dining experience at Michelin-starred Auro.

There, guests will be treated to a seasonally inspired, five-course tasting menu by acclaimed Chef Rogelio Garcia and his team.  

Day 6

Around sunrise, guests take to the skies for an early morning hot-air balloon ride for panoramic views of the vineyards and undulating mountains. The final visit among the impressive list of wineries is ADAMVS, renowned for mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignons and boasting an innovative tasting room and wine library.

Additional tailored experiences include a visit to NBC Pottery for a craft experience, artisanal olive oil tasting at Grove 45, and a gala dinner on a private estate with live music for entertainment.

Hyatt is opening more than 30 hotels in North America

September 15, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt continues to strategically grow its luxury and lifestyle brand footprint with a strong development pipeline of more than 30 planned hotels and resorts in the Americas region through 2025, including the expansion of Hyatt brands into new markets.

Hyatt continues to thoughtfully expand its luxury and lifestyle brand footprint in key leisure markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members with these newly announced hotel deals:

Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo (2024) 

This will be the first Hyatt Centric hotel in the Dominican Republic, located in Santo Domingo’s modern business district. With 130 guestrooms and suites and nearly 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting and events space, the lifestyle hotel will place guests at the heart of the action near prominent restaurants, shopping malls, art galleries and electric nightlife.

Cas en Bas Beach Resort (2024)

This will be the first Destination by Hyatt branded resort and residences on Saint Lucia. Idyllically nestled between a championship golf course and Cas en Bas Bay with a spectacular sandy beach, amenities will include a pool, spa and wellness center, and an exciting range of dining options, nightlife and events.

Hyatt Centric Querétaro (2025)

This property will be located in downtown Querétaro, a city in central Mexico (northwest of Mexico City), known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. The hotel will feature 105 modern guestrooms, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining concepts including a coffee shop serving an all-day menu, a rooftop bar with expansive views of the city and two signature restaurants.

Hyatt Centric Querétaro (2025)

New stay experiences

With a focus on new openings in sought-after destinations across the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Caribbean, Hyatt’s recent and upcoming hotels through 2025 invite guests, World of Hyatt members, and customers to experience Hyatt’s signature luxury and lifestyle brands across distinct brand portfolios:

Boundless Collection hotels that will make their debut and deliver best-in-class offerings and compelling experiences designed to excite and inspire, include:

  • The Thompson Hotels brand will soon be debuting new properties in top leisure locations across the United States and Mexico, including:
    • Thompson Houston (2023) will feature 172 guestrooms including 34 suites, all boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views of downtown Houston and Buffalo Bayou Park, more than 17,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor event space, three swanky restaurants with distinct culinary concepts, a private heli-port, a full-service sanctuary spa and wellness center devoted to full body restoration, a 1-acre rooftop and an expansive pool deck.
    • Thompson Palm Springs (2024) is poised to become the desert’s most exciting destination tailored for influential locals and sophisticated globetrotters alike. Offering a collection of 168 bungalow-inspired guestrooms and suites with private balconies to capture breathtaking views of the ethereal Palm Springs desert, the highly anticipated destination will also introduce a spirited Levantine Mediterranean dining concept, full-service spa, two rooftop pools, exciting new retail, dynamic event space and more.
    • Thompson South Beach (2024) will mark the Thompson Hotels brand entry into Florida comprised of 150 guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop pool, bar and restaurant, and a ground floor restaurant and retail space. The hotel, designed by French architect Rudy Ricciotti, will be adjacent to the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center and the newly reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center.
    • Thompson Monterrey (2025) will be the first urban Thompson Hotels property in Mexico. This 150-room lifestyle hotel will be located within a 31-floor tower amid a mixed-use complex, creating a sought-after hub with sophisticated dining and a rooftop bar.
  • Caption By Hyatt Chattanooga Downtown (2024) will join Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis to grow the Caption by Hyatt brand presence in the state of Tennessee, delivering an upscale, select-service lifestyle hospitality experience.
  • Hyatt Centric Escazu San Jose (2024) will be the Hyatt Centric brand’s first hotel in Costa Rica and offer 161 modern guestrooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, full-service bar, and 4,000 sq. ft. of event space.
  • Andaz Toronto-Yorkville (2025) will be the second Andaz hotel in Canada, joining Andaz Ottawa Byward Market. The luxury hotel will be located within The One, a luxury mixed-use tower that is poised to be the tallest building in Canada. The hotel will offer 138 guestrooms and suites, 6,800 sq. ft. of event space, a spa and several food and beverage experiences.
  • Andaz Miami Beach (2025) will mark the first Andaz hotel in Florida, as a rebrand from The Confidante, Miami Beach. With three towers overlooking Miami Beach, the hotel will include a redesigned lobby, pool and recreation area, reinvented food and beverage experiences, a full-service spa, upgraded event spaces, as well as modernized guestrooms with an expanded mix of suites.
  • Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay (2025) will be the first Hyatt hotel in Turks & Caicos and feature 59-keys and 73 residential units with breathtaking views of Grace Bay Beach, three restaurants and bars, a full service indoor and outdoor spa, a yoga studio, state-of-the-art indoor fitness facility and Pickleball courts.
Thompson Houston King Guestroom

Timeless Collection hotels deliver the comforts of a home away from home with a consistently elevated experience. New properties expected to open by the end of 2025 include:

  • Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol (2024) will be the first Park Hyatt hotel in Mexico and will be a master-planned golf resort stretching along two miles of pristine beach. Located 20 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, within the exclusive community of Cabo del Sol and overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the luxury resort will boast 163 ocean-view guestrooms and suites, 19 villas and residences, stunning pools, a world-class golf course, a full-service spa, fitness and wellness centre, plus 35,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meetings and events space. 
  • Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa (2024) will mark the Grand Hyatt brand’s debut in Arizona, when it is rebranded from Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. The iconic resort will undergo extensive renovations and enhancements of its guestrooms, pools, food and beverage experiences, its beloved Spa Avania and fitness center, public areas and amenities, including the expansion of the hotel’s indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces.
  • Park Hyatt Mexico City (2025) will feature 155 guestrooms and will be located on the upscale Campos Eliseos Street overlooking Mexico City’s iconic Chapultepec Park.
  • Grand Hyatt Cancún Beach Resort (2025) will sit on the eastern part of the Yucatán Peninsula and boast 500 guestrooms complemented by panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Isla Mujeres. The resort will also feature 11 dining experiences, six bars, an indoor and outdoor destination spa and fitness center, and over 16,000 sq. ft. of gathering space.
  • Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences (2025) will be located on a premium 7.1-acre site of famed Seven Mile Beach, less than one mile from the center of Grand Cayman’s capital city, George Town. With 351 guestrooms, the hotel will celebrate the diverse ecology of Grand Cayman and offer six food and beverage venues, a 9,000-square-foot destination spa and fitness centre, three swimming pools and 25,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting and event space, which is expected to be the largest function space in the Cayman Islands.
Impression Isla Mujeres

Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt resorts deliver immersive, elevated experiences where everything is seamlessly included. The Inclusive Collection is expected to welcome new resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, including:

  • Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa (2024) will be the first Secrets Resort & Spa property on St. Lucia, providing guests with access to an unspoiled white-sand beach located just minutes from the capital city of Castries. The property will be comprised of 342 guestrooms and suites, five dining choices, five bars and lounges, and a world-class Secrets Spa by Pevonia.
  • Upcoming Inclusive Collection properties opening in Mexico and the Caribbean: adults-only, luxury all-inclusive resorts including Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club, Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres and Secrets Playa Esmerelda in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; family-friendly Dreams Estrella Del Mar Mazatlan Golf & Spa Resort, Dreams Grand Island in Cancun, and Dreams Playa Esmerelda in Punta Cana; and the debut of the Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts brand with Hyatt Vivid Grand Island in Cancun.

A new Hyatt hotel is opening in Panama next year

September 1, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt Regency Panama City will be the first Hyatt Regency hotel in Panama City and the third Hyatt hotel in Panama.

Perfectly situated for business and leisure travellers, the hotel will be in the heart of Panama City’s business district, less than 10 miles from Tocumen International Airport, near the Multiplaza shopping mall and the new Amador Convention Center.

About the hotel

Hyatt Regency Panama City will offer 382 guestrooms and suites spread across two towers, as well as a pool, state-of-the-art gym, variety of restaurants including a wine bar and coffee shop and 20,000 sq ft. of meeting and event space including two ballrooms, an outdoor terrace for events and a Hyatt Regency Broadcast Lounge, allowing guests the option to attend a live conference in a hybrid manner.

The hotel’s convenient location in the Panamanian capital will provide easy access to public transportation and area attractions like cinemas, restaurants, retailers, recreational activities and more.

Additionally, the hotel is located a short drive from downtown Panama City, both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and local attractions such as the Panama Canal, the Casco Viejo neighborhood and the new Fuerte Amador cruise terminal.

Expected to open just in time for the 2024 summer season following an extensive renovation, Hyatt Regency Panama City will mark another milestone in Hyatt’s sustained brand growth strategy in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Exciting new updates unveiled at Atlantis Paradise Island

August 28, 2023 No Comments

Throughout 2023, Atlantis Paradise Island continues to roll out bold multimillion-dollar renovations and exciting new offerings throughout the resort – from new dining experiences to a reimagined Atlantis Casino and much more.

The resort’s 25th anniversary launches a new chapter for the celebrated destination, ensuring that travelers will continue to experience the best at Atlantis Paradise Island, with stunning accommodations, innovative cuisine, and extraordinary experiences.

New dining experiences

Shake Shack, the elevated fine casual brand is known best for its delicious, made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hot dogs, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades and more recently opened its first resort location at Atlantis Paradise Island and The Bahamas’ first Shake Shack.

The Bahamas location features exclusive new menu items only available at Shake Shack Atlantis, a full 360-degree hexagon-shaped bar, and stunning floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer up-close views of Atlantis’ The Dig aquarium – making Shake Shack Atlantis one of the must-visit destinations in the Bahamas.

Paranza, an exciting new restaurant that debuted this summer at The Cove, offers Italian regional cuisine with a  focus on seafood. From delicate crudos to opulent pasta dishes, from exquisitely grilled whole fish to caviar, Paranza promises artistry on every plate and with every bite.

Silan is a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant by James Beard Foundation Award-winning Chef Alon Shaya that opens this fall and will be located on the casino floor. Dishes will incorporate ingredients local to The Bahamas.

Scavenger hunt

The Atlantis Scavenger Hunt invites guests on an engaging journey, introducing them to some of the most exciting, adventure-filled spots around paradise.

Guests can unravel mysteries, create cherished memories, and unlock an experience that provides a sense of awe and accomplishment while exploring Atlantis. Scavenger Hunt locations include The Dig, Dolphin Cay, Leap of Faith, Marina Village, The Rope Swing, and more. Guests are encouraged to download the official Atlantis App to participate in the fun-filled hunt through the resort.

Casino renovation

The Atlantis Casino is currently undergoing a refresh. Upon entering the Atlantis Casino, guests will notice the enhancement of the Atlantis Casino’s two on-site lounges, an exciting high-limit slots lounge and an expansion of the exclusive gaming salon.

The Atlantis Casino also introduces the lively bar and lounge Bar Sol, offering a perfect perch to take in the excitement on the casino floor, enjoy a pre-or post-dinner drink with live music nightly, or celebrate a big win at the slots.

Complementing Bar Sol is the Atlantis Casino’s Moon Bar – well known for its sleek marine habitat centrepiece behind the bar with moon jellyfish – offers a sophisticated beverage program with classic cocktails, an extensive wine list, draft beer, and a selection of cigars.

Things to do

For 25 years, Atlantis Paradise Island has offered the best in entertainment and immersive experiences for guests and our community. Last year, Atlantis’ tennis centre expanded and now offers three pickleball courts in addition to three tennis courts. Guests can choose to travel with their own paddles or borrow from the Atlantis Pro Shop. Atlantis provides guests both tennis and pickleball lessons with tennis pros and staff.

Independent hotel brand adds more stunning properties to global portfolio

August 9, 2023 No Comments

Preferred Hotels and Resorts has added 14 new member properties — including five openings — to its portfolio between April 1 and June 30.

The largest independent hotel brand representing more than 650 hotels, resorts, and residences across 80 countries has added properties like Pulso Hotel, a new design-centric boutique in central São Paulo, and Hotel Saint, an urban retreat in London’s financial district.

Here’s a look at some of the new additions:

The Hotel Maria (Helsinki, Finland) – Legend Collection: This ultra-luxurious property will redefine modern Nordic hospitality in Helsinki when it launches in December. Made up of four buildings built between 1885 and 1930, The Hotel Maria will feature 117 best-in-class guestrooms and 38 suites – twice as big as the average in Finland – and The Maria Wellness Club with a separate spa and deluxe fitness centre. 

Pulso Hotel (São Paulo, Brazil) – L.V.X. Collection: Set to debut next month in São Paulo’s financial district, the ultra-modern Pulso Hotel will offer 57 stylish guestrooms and suites offering stunning city views and a range of elevated amenities, including a Parisian-Brazilian fusion restaurant, L’Occitane au Brésil SPA, heated pool, gym and wellness centre.

Hotel Saint (London, U.K.) – Lifestyle Collection: Set within London’s financial district, and in the original square mile of the city founded nearly 2,000 years ago, Hotel Saint is conveniently located just steps from the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and other iconic city landmarks. The hotel is comprised of 267 contemporary guestrooms and suites, many with skyline views. Guests benefit from an array of on-site amenities including a rooftop bar on the 14th floor offering craft cocktails and picture-perfect skyline views; a gym outfitted with best-in-class cardio and resistance equipment; and VQ restaurant serving traditional British dishes.

Wynn Palace Cotai (Macau, China) – Legend Collection: Located in Cotai, the 28-story luxury hotel presents the architectural grandeur of a palace, with 1,706 exquisitely furnished rooms, suites, and villas. The property is home to five award-winning signature restaurants, nine casual restaurants and a bar. Additional highlights include a unique SkyCab above the Performance Lake; meeting and convention venues; the tranquil Spa at Wynn Palace; and Wynn Esplanade, showcasing the world’s leading luxury retail brands.

EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel (Lisbon, Portugal) – L.V.X. Collection: Perched in the picturesque hills of Lisbon and centrally located next to Marquês de Pombal Square, EPIC SANA Marquês offers 341 rooms, 37 suites, one presidential suite, and stunning views over the city’s historic architecture. The trendy boutique hotel features multiple dining options and amenities, including three restaurants, two bars, and bakery, a 7,534 square-foot AYANNA Wellness & Spa, and Sky Pool Lounge.

Other member properties  include:

The USVI’s newest adults-only hotel is a pink Barbie dream house

July 28, 2023 No Comments

On July 21, one of the most anticipated movies of this year hit the big screen – Barbie!

And with the iconic doll making her film debut, travellers around the world are looking to experience the pink side of life at spots like Pink Palm Hotel in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a new adults-only boutique hotel where you can soak in all of the pink, dreamy, Barbie vibes.  

This magnificent property opened in March 2023 in the heart of the islands’ capital city Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, and features one of the most magical and beautiful views of the city’s waterfront harbor.

The 28-room adult boutique luxury hotel renovates the famed Smith’s Fancy, popular in the 1940s as a destination guesthouse for those in the fashion, art, music, and film worlds. This unique spot offers gorgeous water views that can be enjoyed from many of the rooms and the poolside common area.

Pink Palm offers guests a relaxing, private oasis while being steps from local restaurants, bars, art galleries and St. Thomas’s famous shops. This exotic place offers guests a full-service cocktail bar, highly skilled bartenders & cocktail servers.    

Five new hotels and resorts you should know about

July 10, 2023 No Comments

Checking out the latest hotel and resort news from fresh renovations to brand new and upcoming properties ready to welcome you.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

The desert oasis of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in the United Arab Emirates is now offering travellers the chance to stay amid the dunes at the all-new four-bedroom Sahra Villa and two-bedroom Al Sarab Villa, complete with its own private majlis (sitting room).

Located a few minutes’ drive from the resort in a secluded area offering unobstructed views of the fiery-red dunes of the Empty Quarter, both villas are part of the exclusive villa compound. The 5,263 square-foot Sahra Villa can accommodate up to eight adults in its master bedroom and three twin bedrooms, each with their own private terrace. The villa also boasts a private swimming pool with a cabana and sprawling indoor and outdoor living spaces.

At the expansive and opulent 9,181 square-foot Al Sarab Villa, guests are surrounded by palm trees. In addition to two elegant bedrooms accommodating a maximum of four guests, the lavish villa comes with ample space to entertain both indoors and outdoors, including a grand reception majlis and a fireplace to enjoy starry desert nights. The outdoor terrace includes a dining table alongside a fully equipped barbecue area, with sun loungers circling a private pool overlooking the dunes.

Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek

Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek in Martinique will be undergoing extensive renovations highlighting significant changes to the rooms, reception area, main restaurant, and bar slated for Fall 2023. The property originally opened in 1969, making the property the first Club Med village to open in “the Americas.”

Tucked away in the large coconut groves of Martinique facing Diamond Rock, the property will undergo a significant refresh to rejuvenate the resort and enhance the overall guest experience which represents an important step in Club Med’s global commitment to evolving the brand to a more upscale experience. The resort will debut the first phase of this renovation by the end of 2023 with all-new interiors organically inspired by the vibrant colours of the surrounding nature and rich Creole culture.

Songtsam Glamping Palpa

Songtsam, an award winning collection of boutique luxury Hotels, Resorts & Destination Management Company has officially opened Songtsam Glamping Palpa, its first glamping property in Tibet. Located in Baiba Village situated on the Niyang River in Nyingchi, the glamping property provides guests with a luxury outdoor camping experience, where they are surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests and pastures.

Songtsam Glamping Palpa has 30 accommodation tents, four dining tents and one public leisure tent. All tents in the camp are made of Tentipi, the top outdoor brand in Nordic. Tentipi tents have a unique patented ventilation design which features an opening and closing of the top ventilation cap that can also be adjusted according to the weather conditions, the wind resistant level can reach to level nine.

Each tent is equipped with an outdoor table and two outdoor chairs on the balcony outside the tent, a private bathroom, 24 hours of continuous hot water, an exquisite copper wash basin, and the toilet not only automatically flushes, but also has heating and other functions. Each tent is also equipped with a camping night light on the bedside table, a B&O portable Bluetooth speaker, multiple charging sockets, textured brass switches, matcha-colored soft leather sofas, Lhasa handmade wool carpets, and cozy bedding.

Eywa Lodge Amazonas

Clients heading to the Peruvian Amazon can now experience Eywa Lodge Amazonas, a newly opened property near the city of Iquitos, next to the source of the Amazon River.

With a strategic location next to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Eywa Lodge Amazonas offers an immersive experience in the Amazon rainforest. The hotel is well connected through the Iquitos airport, where the Eywa Lodge team will great travellers to take them to the accommodations in the heart of the jungle.

Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai

The wellness-centric Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai is now open in northern Thailand, marking the third Aleenta branded property from Thailand-based luxury boutique hotel specialist AKARYN Hotel Group. Offering 44 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre featuring tailor-made wellness programs and retreats, the resort focuses on providing authentic, premium, sustainable experiences.

The spacious rooms, one-and-two-bedroom pool residences and a four-bedroom teak villa with a private swimming pool merge traditional Thai design with a soothing palette of natural hues, sophisticated furnishings and tech-savvy facilities.

Embracing its spiritual location in the ancient city of Chiang Mai, the resort is home to one of the brand’s signature Ayurah Wellness Centres. Alongside complementary daily yoga, Qi Gong, meditation and mindfulness classes, there’s a  menu of holistic wellness retreats and tailor-made programs available for clients.

Two bespoke sleep hotels open in Australia and Taiwan

June 21, 2023 No Comments

Two new sleep hotels, operated by Emma — The Sleep Company have opened in Sydney, Australia and Taipei, Taiwan.

As more travellers seek out a truly restful experience during their vacation, these unique hotels provide a revolutionary travel experience on two different continents.

Sleep tourism on the rise

Sleep has become a recurring topic of concern and interest since the onset of the pandemic.

In a study conducted by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, it was discovered that 40 per cent of respondents reported a decline in sleep quality compared to the pre-COVID-19 period.

The global health crisis has undoubtedly affected people’s sleep patterns and highlighted the importance of restful slumber for overall well-being. By embracing sleep tourism, travel enthusiasts can now satisfy their wanderlust while also nurturing their physical and mental well-being. Sleep tourism fosters an appreciation for the importance of relaxation and rejuvenation, acknowledging the crucial role that sleep plays in sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Emma Sleep Hotel in Sydney

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the Snoreman, setting the tone for a memorable and sleep-focused adventure.

The Rest-Ception area provides a cozy space for guests to settle in and unwind, and an onsite snooze-ologist will be available to provide personalized 1:1 sleep consultations, offering valuable insights and guidance to optimize guests’ sleep habits.

Every room is kitted out with Emma’s mattresses and beds, and a sleep-inspired movie catalogue is available onscreen. Guests are also invited to select their perfect Emma pillow based on their preferences.

On the hotel’s roof terrace, the immersive experience continues with custom cocktails based on Emma’s sleep expertise. Throughout the hotel, a calming playlist provides the perfect ambient backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment.

For more information about the hotel in Sydney, click here.

Emma Sleep Hotel in Taipei

Emma is collaborating with Monka Hotel in Taipei to introduce the first Emma Sleep Hotel in Asia.

Situated close to the iconic Longshan Temple, the hotel underwent a complete transformation under Emma’s supervision. Not even the exterior of the building remains untouched — it was painted to resemble one of Emma’s iconic delivery boxes, setting the tone for the unique experience within.

Every room within the hotel is fitted with Emma products, ranging from the beds to the pillows, ensuring a truly immersive Emma sleep experience for all guests from beginning to end.

For more information about the hotel in Taipei, click here.