Accor making major changes to its structure.....

Accor continues to transform and simplify its structure by leveraging its leadership positions in the most buoyant hospitality markets and segments.

 Accor, global hotel operator and leader in Luxury & Lifestyle hospitality, operates a unique portfolio of brands covering all segments, from economy to luxury, in 110 countries. The Group is evolving its structure to capitalize on the transformation undertaken in recent years, consolidate its leadership positions, focus its efforts, strengthen its know-how, accelerate its growth and continue to improve its profitability. As such, Accor will leverage two divisions comprising separate and distinctive expertise with the aim of further strengthening the excellence of each of these business lines, improving their operational and financial performance, offering their owners and guests ever more relevant products and services, and attracting the best talents. From October 1, 2022, Accor will be structured around two dedicated divisions:

* “Economy, Midscale & Premium Division”, comprising notably the Group’s brands ibis, Novotel, Mercure, Swissôtel, Mövenpick and Pullman, covering 4,816 hotels worldwide and 948 new properties in development. This division will incorporate leadership positions in Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, and will be structured around four regional headquarters based in Paris, Sao Paulo, Singapore and Shanghai. It will focus its strategy on accelerating its development notably through franchises, the rejuvenation of its brands and the industrialization of our operating model.

 

* “Luxury & Lifestyle Division”, bringing together Accor’s luxury brands as well as the Group’s lifestyle entity, Ennismore, and covering 488 hotels globally and 266 new properties in development. This division focused on Luxury and Lifestyle will be structured by brand around 4 pillars: Raffles & Orient Express, Fairmont, Sofitel & MGallery, and Ennismore. It will be committed to strengthening the identities of its iconic brands, investing in top talents, selecting the best locations and offering unique and innovative experiences.

Through these two business divisions incorporating growth strategies and trajectories that have been clearly defined and tailored to guest and owner expectations, Accor will offer its partners and investors a clear and transparent model for each of its business lines, which will be a factor in creating value and ramping up the development of its brands and segments.

According to Sébastien Bazin, Accor Chairman and CEO, “Changing our organizational structure is a natural step in the transformation initiated several years ago, which turned Accor into an asset-light group that is more agile and efficient, with a global profile and which has become a key player in Luxury and Lifestyle. By evolving from a generalist to a multi-specialist model, our aim is to further improve Accor’s appeal in the eyes of talents, owners, partners and investors. We capitalize on our leadership positions to accelerate our development, better focus talents and expertise, and improve our performance.”.

This organizational structure is submitted to the Group’s employee representative bodies. 

MCR Acquires the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Downtown Tallahassee

The 4th-largest hotel owner-operator in the U.S. MCR,  purchases the real estate-owned DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel from a special servicer in Florida’s vibrant state capital.

MCR has acquired the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tallahassee, a 17-story, 242-room hotel in Florida’s state capital. The hotel was purchased as a real estate-owned asset from a special servicer and is the company’s seventh hotel in The Sunshine State.

Selected as Florida’s state capital due to its ideal location between Pensacola to the west and Jacksonville to the east, Tallahassee — lovingly known as “Tally” to locals — is a hub for politics, sports and education. In the heart of downtown just two blocks from the State Capitol, the DoubleTree Tallahassee is within five blocks of 30 state agency headquarters, including the Florida Supreme Court and Governor’s Mansion. It’s also less than five minutes from Florida State University and Florida A&M University.

The closest hotel to the State Capitol, the DoubleTree is the perfect gathering place for visitors from both sides of the aisle. If you’re coming to town for the legislative session, take advantage of our complimentary, fast Wi-Fi and expansive guestrooms. Each room is equipped with ample outlets, ergonomic chairs and sleek desks with city views. Prefer to collaborate with colleagues? Book a boardroom (we have eight!).

Tallahassee isn’t just the capital of Florida government, it’s also the capital of Florida football! Bleed garnet and gold with 45,000 Florida State University students at Doak S. Campbell Stadium, where coach Mike Norvell will make his famed game-time calls at seven home matches this season. Be sure to snag a junior suite (big enough for the whole family) for the annual Fresh from Florida Sunshine Showdown on November 25th, when the Seminoles host the University of Florida Gators. Each suite is decked out with a wet bar, mini-refrigerator and a spacious bathroom.

Not a Seminoles fan? Join the 9,600 Florida A&M University attendees to root for the green and orange at nearby Bragg Memorial Stadium.

After a day of cheering, unwind with unrivalled views from the tallest hotel in the city. Cool off with a beer from our on-site restaurant and bar, Jacob’s on the Plaza, then head to the pool deck for a dip. With an average of 237 days of rays per year, it’s no wonder Florida is known as The Sunshine State.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tallahassee is located at 101 South Adams Street and features:

242 guestrooms and suites

Jacob’s on the Plaza Restaurant and Bar

A rooftop bar and lounge with indoor and outdoor seating

An on-site Starbucks offering speciality beverages and bites

A lobby lounge

Free, fast Wi-Fi

A fitness centre

An outdoor pool

A business centre

A three-story parking garage

5,394 square feet of event space across eight meeting rooms

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Planet Hollywood, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, Costa Rica ready for business.

Lights, camera, ACTION! Located at the base of the Papagayo Peninsula in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, Planet Hollywood, an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, offers an upscale all-inclusive vacation experience, surrounded by natural wonders, exotic jungles, and unique experiences to explore. Guests at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica can feel like they are in Isla Nublar, the fictional island that is part of Michael Crichton’s novel Jurassic Park and featured in the movie of the same name.

Costa Rica’s unique rainforest ecosystem surrounds the resort and guests can venture out to visit the largest active volcano in Guanacaste, the Rincon de la Vieja, which stands 6,286 feet tall and 9 miles wide. This is, without a doubt, one of the best national parks in Costa Rica, here you have all the options that you do not have in other volcanoes, such as the Cangreja waterfall, the fumaroles, the mud pots, the underground rivers, as well as the hot springs, and diverse wildlife; the place truly resembles the dinosaurs’ habitat. Guests can also visit the Dino Park Blue River and interact with animatronic dinosaurs and reenact their favourite scenes from Jurassic Park, surrounded by the gorgeous natural wonders of Costa Rica.

In Planet Hollywood you can vacation Like a Star. Families can dine in eight restaurants, enjoy the PUMPED Fitness Center, PH Spa & Beauty Bar ($), and two serene swimming pools for a nice relaxing experience as well as a splash zone for kids. The Resort offers panoramic views of the breathtaking Papagayo Peninsula. Nestled in the skirts of the exotic tropical rainforest, this beachfront resort offers authentic Hollywood memorabilia from the timeless movie Jurassic Park and other blockbusters. Enjoy a night in the resort’s movie theatre and rewatch the classic with your favourite snacks. Take advantage of the local activities and let the resort concierge team organize your ideal vacation in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened the Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis, marking the launch of Hyatt’s new lifestyle brand, Caption by Hyatt.

 

Located in the heart of the Memphis Entertainment District, Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis is expected to remix hospitality with a fresh take on food and beverage and thoughtfully designed stay experiences fostering connection and community.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened the Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis, marking the launch of Hyatt’s new lifestyle brand, Caption by Hyatt. Located on the corner of world-famous Beale Street and Front Street, the 136-room hotel offers guests a select-service neighbourhood experience that sparks conversation and grounded by the people and place of one of Memphis’ most sought-after areas.

With spectacular views of the Mississippi River and city skyline, the hotel is a centrally located hub near signature Memphis experiences like the Orpheum Theater, the Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum, FedEx Forum, and Sun Studios. Using upcycled and community-inspired design, the property weaves eclectic contemporary aesthetics into the urban industrial history of the area. The hotel is integrated into the historic William C Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop as part of the One Beale mixed-use development, preserving the existing riverside brick and cast-iron façade that dates back to 1879. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in the property’s layering of colors, textures, recycled materials, and emphasis on community. The hotel highlights the culturally resonant artwork of local artists with an intriguing and inspiring interior mural by Frances Berry and a momentous exterior mural by Juan Rojo.

“Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis is a first-of-its-kind property that offers conscientious travelers a true Memphian lifestyle experience,” said Sarah Titus, area general manager, Hyatt. “By creating a welcoming space for both locals and travelers to be themselves and feel connected to the community, we are proud to create a space that shares a taste of all the local culture and cuisine there is to savor.”

Community Connections: Talk Shop at Ellis & Beer Garden

A signature marquee on Front Street welcomes guests into Talk Shop at Ellis, serving as the Caption by Hyatt brand’s remixed and reimagined hotel lobby experience. The inviting space with floor-to-ceiling windows creates a lively, bright and versatile all-day lounge and workspace for locals and guests to enjoy craft coffee or cocktails, work remotely, or casually meet up for an impromptu hangout with friends. This intentional culinary and social space highlights regional favourites through an all-day menu, the Hearth Bar’s assortment of freshly baked breads and tasty spreads, and the locally sourced 24-hour grab-and-go market.

The indoor lounge area spills out into a 1,500-square-foot patio and beer garden adorned with open fire pits and exposed brick. A living plant wall with bench seating offer picturesque hangout moments. Exclusively at the beer garden, guests can get a taste of the Wm C. Pilsner, an exclusive beer locally crafted in collaboration with Grind City Brewing. Together with other Memphian beverage purveyors like Mempops, Wrapzody, Muddys and Raw Girls, Talk Shop at Ellis delivers an unmistakably Memphian neighbourhood experience to both travellers and local Memphians.

A rotating events calendar at the welcome area serves as a space for travellers and locals alike to discover and share their own experiences be it a gallery opening, open-mic night, book clubs, or spoken word happening in the area. Guests can connect with the emcee, who is the all-encompassing host and guide to the Caption by Hyatt experience.

Vibrant Design and Accommodations

The functionally designed guestrooms at Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis display bold, irreverent interiors that reflect the culture of urban street-art with soothing hues of blues and bold yellows, bringing to life the spirit of Memphis. Guests enter thoughtfully designed living spaces with repurposed materials, unpretentious comforts, and an in-room work/play lounge with a worktable, task lighting, and power outlets that is separated from the sleeping area. Industrial barn-inspired doors slide open to reveal the spacious, well-lit bathrooms treated with custom Memphis-themed wallcoverings, enclosed walk-in rain showers, large vanities, and plenty of counter space. Eight riverfront suites present guests with double vanities and offer a large living area with a pullout couch that lead to step-out balconies with expansive views of the Mississippi River and iconic M Bridge.

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Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Enters a Renovation Revival

Celebrating a Milestone 50th Anniversary, European-Born Brand Brings Glamour Back to Travel with Renovations Across its Global Portfolio.........

Underscoring Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts’ momentous 50th anniversary this year, the distinctly European-born brand is celebrating its mid-century modern legacy as it puts a spotlight on renovations that accentuate and elevate this timeless style using design as a foundation to encourage guests to linger longer and savour the good life as travel returns. With this resurgence, Le Méridien unlocks destinations around the world and encourages guests to slow down and grab a rosé during golden hour, enjoy a stroll with a gelato, reconnect in the hub or poolside, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, Le Méridien boasts over 105 hotels and resorts in coveted destinations around the world, inviting creative-minded, culture seekers to explore the world in style.

“Le Méridien has stayed true to its roots and the rich legacy dating back to its origin in the 1960s. When we look at this revival, it’s not simply about renovations. It’s a nod to the past, but it’s also about recognising how we’ve adapted and evolved to meet ever-changing needs of today’s world traveller,” said Jennifer Connell, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts and Vice President, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International. “Travel is back and with that, we want our guests to experience locations with a pace befitting leisure and relaxation while enjoying life’s simple pleasures in familiar, yet chic locales.”

Le Méridien Lav, Split: Located on the Dalmatian Coast, just a short drive from the centre of Split,
the hotel offers spectacular views over the Adriatic coastline and nearby islands. 

The brand’s quintessential design embodies a refined, yet playful aesthetic inspired by the French Riviera and the effortless and relaxed charm of the Mediterranean. Every detail is brimming with a contemporary, sophisticated and glamorous style. Always chic and with an eye to culture, each hotel and resort within the portfolio looks to share a little-known dimension of the destination.

“The essence of Le Méridien is grounded in thoughtful, nuanced design – one that offers an interpretation of a destination with curated details that reflect a locale’s art, cuisine, and culture,” said Aliya Khan, Vice President of Design, Lifestyle Brands, Marriott International. “When reflecting on the brand’s distinct European spirit, we pay homage to design ideas that have the same impact they did fifty years ago to refresh our spaces. It is the relationship to these concepts and their evolution that allows the brand to morph and evolve its experiences.”

Creative-minded travellers can jet-set sans agenda to these reimagined properties:

One&Only Private Homes and ‘The Residences’ are now available for sale in Dubai's latest landmark

Ithra Dubai, a leading real estate developer and asset manager, wholly owned by Investment Corporation of Dubai, announced the highly anticipated sale of One Za’abeel’s One&Only Private Homes and The Residences in Dubai’s most iconic address.

One Za’abeel, the multi-award-winning mixed-used development, is destined to become one of the UAE’s most recognizable architectural icons located right in Dubai’s business center. A marvel of engineering with the world’s longest cantilevered building, it is set to be awarded a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™.

Suspended perpendicularly across the two towers at a height of around 100 meters and weighing 13,000 tonnes, The Link will host several engaging experiences and will include captivating entertainment venues, dining with celebrity chefs, an infinity pool, an observation deck with uninterrupted 360˚views of Dubai, and an immersive glass-floor experience.

One Za’abeel Tower offers 94 One&Only Private Homes for sale, the pinnacle of urban living in the world’s first vertical urban resort managed by the ultra-luxury One&Only brand. Located in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, One&Only Private Homes offer upscale private residential sanctuaries with One Za’abeel being no exception. Reflecting the architecture, design, and lifestyle elements for which One&Only is celebrated, One&Only Private Homes offer unparalleled access to the luxury hospitality collection’s world-class resorts, in addition to a series of exclusive benefits.

The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman........

The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, in the heart of Jordan’s vibrant capital. Rising elegantly above the West Amman skyline, and centrally situated on the prestigious Fifth Circle, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman welcomes guests to enjoy thoughtfully tailored experiences that capture the spirit of Jordan’s beauty and hospitality.

“We are thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Amman, embodying our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and creating meaningful memories in the world’s most exciting markets,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “From exquisite culinary craftmanship to treasured family moments, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman will embrace guests with its legendary service, and offer a unique lens on this charming capital city.”

Delux room

Soaring 20-stories high, The Ritz-Carlton, Amman features 228 guest rooms - the most spacious of any hotel accommodations in Jordan - including 34 opulent suites, spread across seven different categories. All guestrooms and suites have been intricately designed and elegantly furnished, with a sophisticated ambience felt throughout the property.

Led by Wimberly Interiors London, the hotel’s design is inspired by the culture and history of Jordan, which is reflected in the hotel’s bold interior architecture, tailored lighting, Art Deco touches and contemporary artistry. Artistic elements within the hotel draw inspiration from the landscape of the Kingdom, from natural rifts of the sea and saturated colours of the earth to the deep crevices of caves and mountains. The breathtaking structures of Petra are reflected in a series of vignettes, while Roman and Nabatean architectural features are given modern reinterpretations throughout the hotel. The floor finishes in the guest corridors pay homage to Jordan’s desert landscape, and the guestrooms take inspiration from the destination’s natural elements, sand and sea.

Kingdom Suite

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman offers an expansive array of distinctive dining options. Rising over the Amman skyline on the hotel’s 20th floor is the property’s signature restaurant, Roberto’s. Already a much-loved fixture on Dubai’s culinary scene, the arrival of Roberto’s will redefine the concept of authentic Italian fine dining in Jordan, with the venue set to become one of the capital’s most exciting new lifestyle hotspots for residents and visitors alike.

Along with the lively, elevated atmosphere at Roberto’s, guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman can indulge at Ambros, the property’s relaxed dining option in the lobby serving unique seasonal produce and reimagined classics. Located in the hotel lobby, Iris is a stylish tea lounge and pâtisserie featuring a selection of signature eclairs, and high tea experiences. At Sarab Garden, visitors can enjoy a sophisticated shisha lounge featuring upscale regional cuisine. For cigar connoisseurs, The Founders Room is a timeless cigar and whiskey lounge delivering a highly exclusive atmosphere and an elevated menu offering sophisticated bites. Opening this summer, Soleil will appeal to guests looking for healthy dining with its focus on vegetarian dishes and a distinctive coffee roastery. Legends, a distinctive sports lounge with American-style culinary fare, is set to open later this year.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is home to a wide array of facilities for corporate and leisure guests, including a 1,050 square-meter Grand Ballroom, five meeting rooms, one boardroom, and a luxurious Club Lounge, all delivered with unparalleled service and genuine care. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a full-service spa and wellness centre offering ESPA products, indoor and outdoor temperature-controlled pools, six treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and the largest jacuzzi in Amman.

“The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman marks an incredible milestone for the entire Kingdom,” said Tareq Derbas, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman. “The property delivers an exceptional standard of luxury and refinement - one that redefines elegance and hospitality in Jordan and the wider region. We are thrilled to unveil this stunning property and look forward to welcoming guests with a level of care and passion that will be sure to delight and exceed expectations.”

The Ritz-Carlton lobby 

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Selina Opens U.S. Flagship Hotel in Washington, D.C.’s Union Market

Selina, the fast-growing lifestyle and experiential hospitality brand targeting millennial and Gen Z travellers, has opened Selina Union Market in Washington, D.C.'s blossoming Union Market neighbourhood. The hotel—the seventh for Selina in the U.S.—expands Selina’s global portfolio to over 155 open and secured properties. Designed for digital nomads and modern travellers, Selina offers guests alternative ways to stay, play and work at their unique destinations around the world. Selina Union Market is the brand’s signature U.S. property, featuring all of the unique elements and offerings that makes Selina one of today’s most dynamic and forward-thinking hospitality brands.

A collaborative space for diverse communities to congregate, Selina Union Market’s décor is modern industrial, using the space’s history as a former seed factory and antique shop to inspire interior design elements. Outfitted with an earth-tone colour scheme and furnished with upcycled furniture, the hotel is outdoorsy, artistic, and epicurean. Working with modern artists, Selina commissioned a colourful, four-story custom mural by Stencil Network and Sergio Stuff, in addition to original screened artworks from Washington artists, Veronica Barker-Barzel and Victory Dance Creative, showcasing whimsical, creative displays throughout the property.

Selina Union Market houses 106 rooms of mixed accommodations, including suites, standard rooms, micro bedrooms, and shared-style accommodations. Each space allows guests to personalize their stay based on privacy preference, comfort, and budget – a unique lodging experience the average hotel does not offer. The property also includes multiple open floor coworking spaces and private meeting rooms, an all-day restaurant, four rentable artist studios, a cinema room, a common kitchen, an onsite wellness studio, a downstairs cellar for dancing, and an expansive rooftop with stunning city views and amazing cocktails.

The hotel is working with a variety of local partners to bring exciting experiences to guests and Washingtonians alike. These partnerships include Skincando, an organic skincare line developed in Washington; Pure Drop IV, an on-demand concierge mobile IV therapy brand; DJ Farrah Flosscett, who will perform full time at the hotel; SoFar Sounds, set to perform surprise live concerts throughout the summer; and artist Vero Barker, who will showcase screen printing demonstrations and workshops. Other programs include pop-up food and beverage shops, wellness classes, movie nights, comedy shows, professional talks, access to tours with local distilleries and museums, dance classes and rooftop parties.

As a brand focused on supporting local communities, Selina Union Market is an attractive new hangout spot for DMV area residents and visitors. Introductory room rates vary depending on seasonality and start from $200 per night for a standard room, $500 per night for a private loft. Selina also offers Community Accommodations at $50 per night for a bed in one of the shared-style rooms. To celebrate its opening, Selina Union Market is offering 25% off accommodation through Aug. 31, 2022.

More information about Selina's worldwide locations can be found here.

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388 Ventures and Life House Announce Opening of The Lenox Collection in the Berkshires

Photo Business Wire

Following extensive renovations, three-storied boutique properties located in downtown Lenox are reopening together as part of The Lenox Collection, a newly reimagined family of inns connected by their deep historical roots in the town and elevated contextual design. As part of the reopening is Ophelia's, a 66-seat restaurant and bar offering farm-to-table comfort food in an intimate indoor-outdoor setting, with locally sourced ingredients and curated cocktail list. New York-based firm 388 Ventures acquired the properties in 2021 and brought on an independent hotel management company, Life House, to lead design and branding, as well as oversee all hotel and F&B operations leveraging their tech-enabled management platform.

At the heart of the collection is the Whitlock - formally The Church Street Inn - built in 1771 by John Whitlock, a local farmer who turned his two-room farmhouse into an inn for stagecoach travellers. The property now takes cues from its natural surroundings with a rustic and warm feel reminiscent of its farmhouse origins. The Whitlock’s bar and restaurant, Ophelia’s, pays homage to the ingredients and labours of the hotel’s namesake. With locally-inspired farm-to-table cuisine with dishes featuring herbs & garnishes from local purveyors, Ophelia’s is already becoming a favourite among locals, guests, and downtown passers-by.

Photo Business Wire

Located in the historic centre of town is The Constance - formally the Rookwood Inn - which was built in 1825 as The Williams Tavern. In the 1880s it was purchased by Frederick Constance Peters, a businessman from England, who turned the property into ancillary lodging for owners of Lenox’s famed Gilded Age estates. The inn has been completely reimagined with an extensive renovation to restore and enhance the elegant charm and whimsical character of the storied property with the benefit of modern guest amenities - its lounge is pictured above. 

Photo Business Wire

On the north side of town is The Dewey - formally the Birchwood Inn - which was originally built by Israel Dewey, a founding member of Lenox’s Continental Congress Committee when the town was incorporated in 1767. Over the years, the site has taken on many lives, owned by various influential figures in the Berkshires. Today, the newly-reappointed inn carries on its rich tradition of hospitality with elevated guest room interiors and stately common areas. Pictured right is the tea room. 

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed the opening of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, a private island retreat located in the picturesque Raa Atoll at the northern edge of the Maldives.

The Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed the opening of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, a private island retreat located in the picturesque Raa Atoll at the northern edge of the Maldives. The all-pool-villa resort offers a refreshing blend of serenity and discovery in a relatively untouched corner of the archipelago renowned for its abundant marine life.

“As countries continue to open up and travel confidence grows, we look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives for a memorable getaway in what we hope will become the centrepiece of Raa Atoll,” said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt. “We are delighted to add this beautiful resort in the Maldives to our growing Alila portfolio, with new Alila hotels opening in sought-after destinations such as Suzhou and Shanghai in China and Nha Trang in Vietnam in the future.”

Hyatt Hotels has paused new investment in Russia, however, it is still operating in the country and supporting the Russian Government,  despite the ongoing war in Ukraine following the Russian invasion.  The corporate office of Hyatt has, in consultation with its Russian investors, has thus far refused to call it an invasion or war and is continuing to trade in Russia.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers 80 pool villas, of which 44 are along the beach and 36 are perched over water with direct access to the sea. Guests can unwind in these understated, sophisticated spaces that balance privacy with openness to the outdoors. Each villa comes with a private pool and sun deck where guests can bask in picture-perfect views and enjoy personalized service whether they are staying steps from the beach or above the turquoise lagoon. The Sunrise Beach Villas offer early birds captivating views to start their day alongside quick access to the resort’s main facilities such as the infinity pool, Play Alila kids’ club, Seasalt restaurant and Mirus Bar.

The resort’s elegant minimalist architecture by Singapore-based Studiogoto encompasses terraced pavilions, villas and a treetop spa that are carefully integrated into the existing landscape to immerse guests in the picturesque natural surroundings. The low-rise structures and contemporary interiors feature open-air spaces and a calming palette of island-inspired colours and textures, creating an idyllic setting for complete relaxation and connection with nature.

 

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AC Hotels by Marriott Unveils First Hotel in Australia with the Opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank

AC Hotels by Marriott, the design-led lifestyle brand part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, announces its brand debut in Australia with the opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank. Located in one of Melbourne’s premier events, arts and entertainment precincts, the new hotel features 205 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, signature dining, and an infinity pool and cocktail bar with sweeping views of the city skyline. AC Melbourne Southbank has been expertly refined and crafted to deliver an elegant yet unobtrusive experience, right in the cultural capital of Australia.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the arrival of the AC Hotels brand in Australia with the opening of AC Melbourne Southbank,” said Jeff Tomczek, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of AC Hotels. “Melbourne is the cultural and design capital of Australia, allowing for a seamless fit with AC Hotels, known for its purposeful design and obsession with detail. With Australia’s border reopening, we look forward to welcoming travellers with a distinctive experience that has been edited to offer only the best of what guests truly need.”

Nestled in the prestigious inner-city enclave of Melbourne’s Southbank, with the Central Business District and South Wharf precinct – Australia’s largest urban renewal project – on its doorstep, AC Melbourne Southbank brings together the very best of Melbourne, housed in one sculptural landmark address. With close proximity to public transport, South Melbourne Market, Melbourne Convention Centre, South Wharf shops and eateries, the Arts precinct, and other first-class amenities, the hotel offers sweeping city views with everything guests need for a memorable stay.

Designed by DKO Architecture in collaboration with Capital Alliance, AC Melbourne Southbank has created a bold architectural presence within the Fishermans Bend skyline. The design approach to every space is optimal comfort and utility through modern décor with open layouts offering functional beauty without distraction. The elegantly framed geometric glass façade will be activated by LED lighting at night acting as a beacon for visitors and residents alike. A sculptural canopy creates an iconic entry to the hotel and the design-led guestrooms contained within.

Soho House Copenhagen set to open in July.....

Soho House Copenhagen will see the Membership Collective Group’s expansion into Scandinavia and the 22nd Soho House in Europe.

Membership Collective Group expands its growing portfolio of membership clubs, announcing its first Soho House in Scandinavia. Soho House Copenhagen is opening in July 2022.

Soho House Copenhagen will follow other recent openings including Brighton Beach House in the UK and Soho House Nashville and Holloway House in Los Angeles in North America.

Situated in the former Customs House and ferry terminal, Soho House Copenhagen is a home for the Danish creative community to come together and eat, drink, connect and hang out.

Located in central Copenhagen in Havnegade on the waterfront, the oval-shaped House is set across two floors and includes a members Club space, an outdoor terrace looking out to the water and Club Cecconi’s restaurant serving Northern Italian dishes. The ‘Customs Room’ – a relaxed, laptop-friendly space during the day, that can host events and entertainment in the evenings - is situated upstairs with views out across the water.

Soho House also plans to open Soho Active - a gym and studio space – on the second floor later in the year.