Hyatt brand debuts in Italy with Thompson Rome

Expected to open by mid-2024 in the heart of the Italian capital, Thompson Rome is a 70-room luxury lifestyle hotel that will be the brand’s second property in Europe, joining Thompson Madrid, which opened in 2022, and the previously announced Thompson Vienna, which is slated to join the portfolio in 2025.

The Thompson Hotels brand is renowned for channelling the destination’s local creative energy, combining instinctive design and culinary sophistication to curate the best of each destination’s culture within its walls.

With the cultural areas of music, art, fashion, design and culinary at the heart of the Thompson Hotels brand experience, the properties serve as a dynamic home-base for tastemakers, emerging creatives and culturally astute travelers to connect with one another and with what inspires them.

A sense of Roman culture

Visitors of Thompson Rome will experience a true sense of Roman culture through a revolutionary design restoration of one of the city’s most iconic buildings – the former headquarters of the Italian Communist Party.

Converted into a luxury lifestyle hotel, the elegant 1930s-built Palazzo is located near the Capitoline Hill, Fori Imperiali and Jewish Quarter and will undergo an extensive enhancement while preserving the landmark’s key historical features. The artistic legacies of the building that will remain will represent the Thompson Hotels brand’s commitment to authentic cultural curation including the entrance hall, designed by sculptor Giò Pomodoro, complete with a five-pointed gold star set into the floor, as well as a marble bust of the party’s founding member and one-time leader, Antonio Gramsci.

Accelerated growth

The expansion of the Thompson Hotels brand with plans for Thompson Rome is reflective of Hyatt’s accelerated brand growth in the southern European country, joining five Italian properties that have been added to Hyatt’s portfolio in the past four years.

Thompson Rome will mark the seventh Hyatt-branded hotel in Italy and the second in Rome, joining The Tribune Hotel, part of JdV by Hyatt brand, also operated by AG Group s.r.l. 

Thompson Rome will boast four dining outlets, including a rooftop restaurant and terrace with a cocktail bar featuring panoramic views of the buzzing eternal city. The property will also feature two dedicated meeting rooms and a fitness centre.

Desert oasis opens in the United Arab Emirates

For travellers seeking unparalleled opulence in true Emirati style, the desert oasis of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in the United Arab Emirates is now offering the chance to stay in complete privacy amid the dunes at the all-new four-bedroom Sahra Villa and two-bedroom Al Sarab Villa complete with its own private majlis.

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 designed to offer utmost privacy and discrete service.

The 5,263 square-foot Sahra Villa is a palatial hide-away furnished in noble hues that 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 including a magnificent terrace.

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.

On the outdoor terrace, a dining table sits alongside a fully equipped barbecue area, with sun loungers circling a private pool overlooking the dunes.

Guests staying at Al Sarab Villa can also choose to book the private majlis situated in a separate building close by, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows maximising the natural light. Warm and inviting, the space is designed for entertaining in true Emirati style amid contemporary Arabian design and artworks, with a team of butlers on hand to attend to every need.

With a seating capacity of up to 20 guests indoors and an additional outdoor entertainment area, the sumptuously appointed majlis is ideal for private events and get-togethers. 

In addition to having access to all the comforts of the luxury accommodation, guests staying in villas belonging to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara’s Exclusive Villa Collection can enjoy 24/7 dedicated personal butler attention, a private entrance with shaded parking, Apple TV, Nespresso machines, pillow and soap menus, and other exclusive amenities.

Corporate groups looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city can revel in the resort’s new ultra-secluded villas and experience a tranquil destination that blends Arabian heritage with desert zen, for gatherings, workshops, and soul-soothing retreats. As well as the ultimate luxurious accommodation, groups can expect personal butler service and international gourmet cuisine from the resort’s multiple dining destinations. 

For reservations, visit https://www.anantara.com/en/qasr-al-sarab-abu-dhabi/villas.

A massive resort with more than 500 rooms is opening in the Dominican Republic

Expected to open in 2024, this resort will bolster Hilton’s all‑inclusive presence in the Caribbean and Latin America to 10 properties across the region.

Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, will be the first all-inclusive Curio Collection by Hilton property in the Dominican Republic, when it opens in 2024.

Located north of Punta Cana in the coastal town of Miches, the brand-new 502-room all-inclusive resort will welcome travellers to an area known for its pristine beaches, sprawling mountain landscapes and natural surroundings. The property is owned by Zemi Hotels & Resorts, S.R.L. and will be managed by Hilton.

Opening in 2024

Expected to open in 2024 as Hilton’s 10th all-inclusive property in the Caribbean and Latin America, the signing of Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton cements Hilton’s plan to nearly triple its portfolio in the Dominican Republic over the next five years. Hilton currently welcomes guests at five hotels in the destination and has nine projects in various stages of development across the country.  

Plunge pools & beach bungalows

Located approximately 60 miles from Punta Cana International Airport, the beachfront property on a half-mile stretch of pristine Esmeralda Beach will offer 502 guest rooms spread across six four-story buildings and 18 free standing beach bungalows.

This includes 123 ground level swim-up guest rooms featuring individual plunge pools that connect via a winding pool allowing guests to swim to other areas of the resort.

Drawing inspiration from the coast’s unique landforms, the hotel will feature a minimalist design with the natural tones and textures that reflect the destination. The four-story buildings harmoniously blend with the environment, while the design plan incorporates neutral wood and stonework, greenery, soft interior shades, and boho-chic elegance from furnishings to artistic structures and decor.  

Amenities & more

With a commitment to health and wellness, the oceanfront resort will offer a sprawling pool complex with water park, a state-of-the-art fitness center and juice bar. A dedicated spa building will boast ten treatment rooms, a beauty salon, an indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and an outdoor terrace for yoga and meditation. 

The resort will feature 15,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. 

See the best of Europe this summer with Four Seasons

Which will it be? Private surf lesson in one of Lisbon’s lesser-known beach coves, an early morning hike to Budapest’s Castle District or a private cruise on Lake Como after exploring the lakeside views from behind the wheel of an Italian car?

This summer, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts invites guests to explore the rich cultural, culinary and natural beauty of Europe through personalized discoveries across its iconic European properties.

Unforgettable Adventures

Stay in the heart of the city at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid to discover the local barrios (neighbourhoods) through the eyes of Leica as part of a newly launched photographic walking tour. This two-hour on foot exploration takes in every opportunity to both learn about and capture the local sights through the lens of a Leica camera, guided by a photography specialist. Four Seasons Hotel Baku is also providing guests with a unique way to discover the historical city and discover traditional Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Adjoining to ancient walls and known as the “living room” of Icheri Sheher (Old City), Four Seasons Hotel Baku, is primely located to facilitate this private tour and hands-on, cultural experience under the guidance of a local skilled artisan, with the hand-woven carpet becoming a one-of-a-piece kind and a treasured keepsake for guests.

French Riviera views combined with a menu by Michelin-starred Chef Yoric Tièche await guests of Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel in a new Nomad Dining experience this summer.

Further south in Sicily, guests at San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel can embark on an adventure on the slopes of Mount Etna during a stargazing safari on a remote part of the mountain’s slopes to admire the night sky.

A Focus on Wellbeing

Venture into the wild beauty of the French Alps at Four Seasons Hotel Megève, where a guided, hillside yoga or meditation session within a geodesic dome allows guests to reset and refresh while soaking in the mountain vistas. Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is also offering private yoga classes at the nearby beach in Costa da Caparica, just 30 minutes from the Hotel and a spot treasured by locals for its vast, sandy coastline that stretches for nearly 10 kilometres (6 miles). For those seeking a more adrenaline-filled activity, yoga can be swapped for a surf lesson in the same location, with each activity being followed by a lunch at a stylishly mellow, toes-in-the-sand beach bar that serves local favourites such as clams cooked in Portuguese Bulhão Pato sauce and grilled, line-caught fish from the Atlantic.

Early morning adventures go hand in hand with city-sightseeing at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest through the Buda Before Breakfast workout, where members of the Four Seasons management team accompany guests on a hike up Gellért Hill or the Buda Hills for the best city views and a chance to learn about must-visit locations during a stay in the historic city.

A Celebratory Summer

Following the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, Four Seasons UK Collection continues the wave of celebrations through a series of summer experiences designed to capture this momentous occasion. Indulge in the time-honoured British tradition of afternoon tea with the Crown Jewels Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square or celebrate summer at Bloom – the rooftop lounge in the Hotel’s elegant Crown Residence. This floral pop-up is abuzz with summer energy, offering unparalleled views over the River Thames and the city, light bites and refreshing beverages.

Alternatively, complement a discovery of the capital’s heritage with the serenity of the British countryside by combining a stay at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane with a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire as part of the properties’ Town and Country offer. 

Take to the Water

From the Athens Riviera to Lake Como, cruising on the Bosphorus and the scenic shores of the Vltava River in Prague, there’s no better place for boating adventures than Europe in the summer. Depart from the jetty of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens for a full day exploration of the famous Greek islands of Hydra and Spetses. Journeying by the award-winning Praevado power cruiser, swim in crystal waters, have lunch at a seafood taverna and enjoy harbourside shopping, before a final dip at Zogeria Bay while recounting the day’s adventures.

In Istanbul – the city where Europe and Asia connect – hop aboard the Sea Shuttle to cruise across the Bosphorus river and take in the panoramic city views across the two continents while travelling from Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet in the city’s Old Town and the sea-front, former Ottoman Palace that is Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. Also offering guests the chance to capture the city panorama from the water is Four Seasons Hotel Prague, with a river cruise along the Vltava in a charming wooden boat. Sip a glass of prosecco and enjoy breakfast, lunch or a light snack with family or friends on this scenic excursion.

For a journey that spans both land and water, Four Seasons Hotel Milan provides an exclusive opportunity to take the driver’s seat of a of a 1961 Giulietta Spider or of a Lancia Fulvia Coupè Rallye on a drive out of the city to Lake Como. Cruise top-down for unparalleled views while zipping through scenic back roads, before pulling over for lunch at a Concierge-recommended restaurant near the lake and to browse the local shops before a private afternoon cruise on Lake Como.

 

Destination Dining with Four Seasons Europe

Just in time for summer, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel has launched a new Nomad Dining Experience overlooking the Cap Ferrat peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea. In this picturesque setting of the Hotel’s vegetable garden, guests can savour creative dishes prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Yoric Tièche while taking in sublime views of the French Riviera. Summer is also the ideal time to visit the Versailles vegetable garden of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, which is cultivated with the composting from Le George restaurant’s food waste. Guests will be taken from the Hotel to the garden in a Porsche electric car and will spend time with the Hotel’s Green Michelin Star chef, Simone Zanoni. Together with Simone, guests will handpick vegetables and cook them in an open-air kitchen before enjoying a picnic-style lunch on site, all while learning more about Simone’s secrets of the trade and his passion for sustainability.

By evening, stylish rooftop restaurant Izumi at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva is the ideal spot to enjoy the warm summer nights and soak up panoramic lake views, while a golden-hour dinner on the Ponte Vecchio can be arranged for guests of Four Seasons Hotel Firenze. Nestled in the heart of Florence with views over the Arno river, dine on the open-air terrace of the famous Ponte Vecchio with an unforgettable dining experience prepared by Executive Chef Paolo Lavezzini.

The hottest new hotel and resort openings

A look at the latest hotel and resort news from highly anticipated new openings to fresh renovations.

Bellagio

Las Vegas’ iconic Bellagio property is undergoing a US$110 million transformation across all rooms and suites within its luxurious Spa Tower. Following the AAA Five Diamond resort’s recent remodel of more than 2,500 guest rooms in its main tower, the Spa Tower redesign, which encompasses 819 guest rooms and 104 suites, is slated for completion in October. Meanwhile, the first collection of rooms available for guest stays will be available beginning July. The contemporary accommodations are inspired by the beauty and tranquility of Italy’s Lake Como.

Wynn Al Marjan Island

A new multi-billion-dollar integrated resort is coming to Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Wynn Al Marjan Island will mark the company’s first-ever beachfront resort and is inspired by the tranquil seascape of Al Marjan Island, a group of four islands. 

Set in a pristine setting overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Wynn Al Marjan Island rises more than 1,000 feet above the sea and will offer a premium luxury experience, including exceptional entertainment and gaming amenities.

With an estimated project cost of approximately US$3.9 billion, Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature approximately 1,500 lavishly styled rooms, suites and villas.

Visitors can expect a wide array of entertainment options, a gaming area, 24 dining and lounge experiences, innovative spa and wellness experiences, a high-end shopping esplanade, a state-of-the-art events centre, a theatre hosting a unique production show, and other amenities.

Casa da Companhia

IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened the doors to the first Vignette Collection hotel in Europe. Casa da Companhia is a 5* boutique hotel located in Porto, Portugal.

The Vignette Collection, the newest brand in IHG’s fast-growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio, is a family of distinct luxury hotels connected by a shared vision that travel can benefit local people and places.

Casa da Companhia has 40 rooms including three suites, a luxurious spa featuring treatments from Holiclinica, a fitness suite, heated indoor and outdoor pools and an outdoor terrace.

Rosewood Ranfaru

Stretched across a striking chain of private islands around a pristine lagoon in the South Male Atoll, Rosewood Ranfaru will be situated less than an hour away from Velana International Airport in Male. From touchdown to toes in the sand, guests will be able to make the journey to the resort via either a 35-minute yacht ride or a ten-minute seaplane hop.

Rosewood Ranfaru will offer approximately 120 beachfront and overwater villas, ranging in size from one- to five-bedrooms, all with private pools and a select number located on private islands.

Thompson Palm Springs opening this year

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has plans for the 168-room Thompson Palm Springs, which will join the luxury lifestyle Thompson Hotels portfolio and mark the second Thompson Hotels property in California.

Thompson Palm Springs is expected to open in late 2023 and will offer panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the city of Palm Springs.

Developed by Dallas-based Hall Group and designed by interior design firm B2 Architecture + Design and architect SMS Architecture, Thompson Palm Springs will feature modern, groundbreaking design in the heart of the city.

Unique guestroom bungalows will be surrounded by two outdoor pools, gardens, lounge areas and winding walking paths, immersing visitors in the natural landscape of Palm Springs.

Amenities & more

Guests can expect additional amenities including a signature restaurant helmed by a world-class chef, sought-after indoor and outdoor bar and lounges, a well-appointed spa and fitness concept, and approximately 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.

Thompson Palm Springs will also offer more than 20,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space along downtown’s iconic Palm Canyon Drive which will include HALL Napa Valley, a 3,400 square foot tasting room from owners Craig & Kathryn Hall showcasing selections from their family of wines: HALL, WALT and BACA. The hotel’s idyllic location will provide guests with access to the community’s thriving arts and culture scene including museums, art galleries, boutiques and bars and restaurants.

Thompson Palm Springs will build on Hyatt’s intentional growth strategy in key leisure markets, joining 18 Thompson Hotels properties worldwide, with four additional properties expected to open by the end of 2024 in destinations like Houston, South Beach Miami, and Monterrey, Mexico, as well as the brand’s entry into Asia Pacific in Shanghai.  

To learn more about the Thompson Hotels brand,  visit www.thompsonhotels.com.

New contemporary city hotel debuts in Dublin

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will officially make its debut in Ireland with the opening of Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel.  

Previously known as The Marker, a significant renovation has now been completed with a multi-million investment at the iconic Dublin hotel, which is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

The property is one of the Irish capital’s most contemporary and architecturally impressive buildings and is located in the heart of the Docklands, a stylish and innovative part of the city that is home to some of the world’s most famous names in tech. 

About the hotel

Overlooking the Waterfront on Grand Canal Square in the heart of Dublin City, Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel has a contemporary design and style with eight state-of-the-art event and meeting facilities and offers 187 renovated stylish guest rooms over six floors, comprising 124 Premier and Deluxe rooms, 18 Junior Corner Suites and three large executive suites.  
 

The Roche Suite offers 1066 square feet of living space whilst the 990-square-foot Schwartz Suite, named after the square designer, features sweeping Grand Canal Square views. The spacious 1,389 square foot Presidential Suite is located on the fifth floor and boasts unobstructed views of Grand Canal Square offering two en suite bedrooms and separate living spaces.  

Services include the Condé Nast award-winning spa, which offers an infinity pool, sauna and eucalyptus-infused steam room alongside a series of new signature Anantara Spa treatments inspired by indigenous Irish ingredients and healing traditions.

A stylish rooftop terrace with stunning panoramic 360º views across the cityscape stretching to the sea at Dublin Bay is the best rooftop in the city. 

Recent refurbishments 


The lobby and bar have been refreshed with the addition of new soft furnishings, bespoke cabinetry, and custom furniture.
 
A destination restaurant, ‘Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins’, welcomes hotel residents and city dwellers alike.  The new restaurant will feature the very best of locally-sourced products served in a contemporary manner and with a uniquely Irish twist.
 

Close to the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel is a perfect cultural and business epicenter for travellers keen to experience classic Irish hospitality at its best.

Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel is the only five-star hotel in the area, which has recently emerged as one of the most vibrant, dynamic and modern parts of the city for living, working and socializing.

Grand Palladium Resort & Spa Jamaica gets $27.5M upgrade

Grand Palladium Hotel Group, which manages two hotels in Montego Bay, has undergone a thorough refurbishment of Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa.

The ambitious $27.5 million project includes the refurbishment of 537 suites, as well as various common areas such as the lobby, one of its show-cooking restaurants, and one of its most iconic bars.

New room upgrades

The newly 537 refurbished rooms of Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa are available after reopening at the beginning of the year.

Of these there are two new categories that stand out in 48 suites with sea views: 40 Superior Junior Suite Private Pool Ocean View and 8 Superior Suite Private Pool Oceanfront View. Surrounded by vegetation, these swim-up suites offer a private pool and terrace which are fully equipped with seating and a wooden pergola.

In the Superior Junior Suite Private Pool Ocean View, the pool is 86 sq ft. and the terrace is 161 sq ft.; and the Superior Suite Private Pool Oceanfront View is now the largest in the entire hotel, featuring a 161 sq ft. pool and terrace fully furnished with a dining room.

This room category has a private living room with a balcony, a larger bedroom, and a relaxation area that includes a chaise lounge and a large glass window that overlooks the ocean. 

Energy efficiency and technology have also played an important role. All rooms have energy-saving systems with sensors for light and air conditioning and the swim-up pools are heated through an efficient system that uses heat pumps.

Hotel revamp

The refurbishment highlights some of the hotel’s most emblematic spaces. Among them is The Infinity Saloon Bar, the meeting point of Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa with spectacular 180º views of the Caribbean Sea, as well as shows and live music.

Its open-air terrace now has elegant awnings and lounge-style furniture with sofas and large armchairs, perfect for resting while sipping delicious cocktails. In this area, black and white stripes in the furniture fabrics combine perfectly with the tropical touch of the mural in the bar decorated with the image of the national bird – the Hummingbird.

In the lobby, further enhancements of the English colonial style were made to the solid wood and furniture. The reception has been updated with white treillage lattices and mirrors that match perfectly with the bold black lamps installed in the area. 

 

In the culinary end, the MoBay show-cooking, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has increased its capacity to accommodate up to a total of 286 diners.

Divided into four areas by screens, the space now has two new food stations to offer a greater variety of dishes and products. The design is marked by vegetation, mixed fabrics, and green, black, and light tones.

A complete, varied, and sustainable offer

Ideal for families, couples, friends or groups, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts presents itself in Jamaica with a resort made up of the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa. The 517 suites and several areas of the latter also underwent an exhaustive renovation six years ago in order to reinforce the neoclassical design, with a colonial style and a strong British influence to the resort.

Located in Montego Bay, on the northwest coast of the country, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica has 1,054 rooms of different categories and offers guests direct access to the beach, the opportunity to choose between 11 restaurants and 15 themed bars, various entertainment options for all ages, the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness center, as well as extensive facilities, including one of the largest pools in the Caribbean.

All these magnificent facilities and the excellent quality of service make Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica the ideal place to celebrate corporate events, dream weddings through the Weddings by Palladium brand, and special occasions such as bachelor or bachelorette parties, among others.

One of the Algarve’s hottest hotels reopened with a new look

Situated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and next to Vilamoura Marina in the Algarve in Southern Portugal, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort has reopened following an extensive redesign and refurbishment.

The major revamp introduces a contemporary and sophisticated new look to all the guest rooms, the entrance lobby, and The Argo Cocktail Bar, as well as newly landscaped gardens with a redesigned pool.

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura reopened after a four month renovation, with a new nautical and contemporary design inspired by the Algarvian beaches, the marina and the Atlantic Ocean. In the 383 bedrooms, including 21 suites, the soft beige tones, striped fabrics and natural materials aim to reflect the views, creating a relaxed atmosphere and a perfect harmony between the exterior scenery and the interior design.

The 527 sq ft. family rooms come with an exterior lounge area and terrace, combining wood with sand-coloured textures and rattan finishes with sophisticated table lamps. The revamped Vilamoura Suite now includes the choice of a VIP experience, such as dinner for two at Pepper’s Steakhouse with beverages, an 80-minute treatment at Tivoli Spa, or sun loungers for two at the adjoining beach club – Purobeach – which is open between April and October.

 

The resort is well placed for access to numerous Algarve beaches,  boat tours, golf courses, walking trails at Ria Formosa Natural Park and cultural discoveries in Loulé town with local artisans and its various arts like tile/dish painting, tapestry or basketry. Tivoli Marina Vilamoura also has a 25,833 sq ft. Tivoli Spa where guests can indulge in exclusive face and body therapies with local organic ingredients.

In the year that the Tivoli brand is celebrating its 90th anniversary, the relaunch of a more glamorous Tivoli Marina Vilamoura reinforces the continuous values of the brand – timeless elegance and tradition. 90th anniversary events and special guest experiences will be revealed throughout the year.

Rates at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura start from $330 for a Premium room including breakfast for two people. For more information on Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-marina-vilamoura.

 

A luxury Thai hotel offering custom wellness programs just opened in Chiang Mai

Allen Retreat Chiang May officially opened on April 6 in northern Thailand.

This is the third property under the Aleenta brand 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 manifests Akaryn Hotel Group’s ongoing dedication to providing authentic, premium, sustainable experiences. 

About the rooms

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.

The four-bedroom Teak Villa is made from antique golden teak that was collected by the owner before being restored and carefully reassembled into a new structure that welcomes groups of family and friends to enjoy a traditional Thai living experience with modern comforts.

Signature wellness centre

Embracing its spiritual location in the ancient city of Chiang Mai the resort is home to one of the brand’s signature Ayurah Wellness Centers.

Alongside complementary daily yoga, Qi Gong, meditation and mindfulness classes, the menu of holistic wellness retreats and tailor-made programs include:

  • Mind Balance (5 nights from $342 per night) combining natural healing and Thai Holistic Medicine.
  • Detoxification (5 nights from $325 per night) to address the symptoms and underlying causes of burnout.
  • Total Immersion Yoga (7 nights from $352 per night) incorporating movement, mindfulness and coherence.
  • Healthy Living (from $360 per night) for those living with diabetes or who may have a tendency to develop the symptoms.  
  • Self Love (3, 5, 7, 14 or 21 nights from $350 per night) to overcome personal barriers through coaching, breathing, balancing and guided meditation.
  • Mindful Vipassana Meditation (3 nights from $304 per night) trains the mind to improve emotion, awareness, concentration and happiness. There is also an option to practise this retreat at the nearby temple, Wat Ram Poeng. 

Cooking classes & more

Retreats are enriched by healthy cuisine and a Wellness cooking class, as well as bespoke nutritionist-led plans with full plant-based options. Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai enables clients to work with a resident ‘master healer’, doctor, nurse and nutritionist to achieve optimum wellness and balance in this tranquil environment. 

Elevated gastronomy is available at the resort’s restaurant ‘The Garden’ which offers breakfast, lunch and a refined menu in the evening to both nourish and spoil. Menus have been curated to provide nutritious dishes that preserve the flavors of traditional Northern Thai Lanna cuisine alongside Western cuisine with a Lanna twist.

The Garden refrains from using imported products and focuses on sourcing Thailand’s highest quality produce with plant-based, keto and low sugar/carb options also available.

At the 1892 Bar guests can relax on the balcony overlooking the resort’s spiritual blessing garden while enjoying a distinctive selection of specially curated snacks including vegan Khao Soi Gyoza and Wild Boar Teriyaki.  

Sustainable focus

Aleenta, which means ‘a rewarding life’, has served as the hotel collection’s manifesto since its launch in 2006. Each resort is anchored upon spacious accommodations, premium design, exceptional F&B, first-class facilities, holistic retreat programs and a long-term commitment to sustainability.

As the first hotel group in Thailand to go single-use plastic free in 2018, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai continues this commitment to responsible hospitality. The resort was designed from reclaimed wood as a low-rise property, built to protect the local ecosystem, topography and maximize natural features.

There are many initiatives in place to source locally, recycle, conserve freshwater supplies, reduce their use of carbon-based electricity and engage with the community. Aleenta continues to seek and develop ways to further improve and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals across the brand.