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

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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.

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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. 

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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.

New Hilton hotel set to open in San Sebastián, Spain in 2024

Hilton confirmed plans to open its first hotel in San Sebastián, Spain, Palacio Bellas Artes Hotel San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton is expected to open in 2024. This follows a franchise agreement with Sociedad Anónima Deportes y Espectáculos, S.A. – a wholly owned subsidiary of Grupo SADE.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, EMEA, Hilton said, “San Sebastián is a city which has a wealth of cultural attractions, making it the perfect home for Curio Collection by Hilton. From its thriving restaurant scene – featuring more Michelin stars per square metre than any other global city – to its lively pintxo bars, jazz festival and food markets – our international guests will enjoy soaking up the atmosphere while exploring the city. Curio Collection by Hilton has grown exponentially across Europe, with new openings this year in Lisbon, Madrid, Santorini, Krakow, London and Reykjavik, and Palacio Bellas Artes Hotel San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton is a very welcome addition to the expanding portfolio of 190 hotels trading or under development around the world.”

Esteban Basterretxea Badiola, general manager at GRUPO SADE, said, “We are pleased to be reviving the Bellas Artes, one of the city's most emblematic buildings. We are also excited to be working with Hilton to open under its Curio Collection, which will allow us to celebrate the individual qualities of this important building. The franchise model enables SADE to manage the hotel and maintain its brand purpose; to offer enjoyable experiences through its century-old connection to the city’s cultural scene. I would also like to thank PHG Hotels & Resorts for their effort, which was key to fulfilling this agreement.”

Palacio Bellas Artes Hotel San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton will feature 82 stylish guest rooms, including eight suites, meeting space, a gym, and a bar and restaurant. The hotel will be located within the former Fine Arts Theatre, in the Amara district of the city. The theatre was built in 1914, and was designed by the local architect Ramón Cortázar, a founder of the distinctive Basque style of design. 

Located in Spain’s Basque region, close to the French border, San Sebastián is the ideal base from which to explore the Atlantic coastline and the city includes three pristine beaches used year-round by surfers and visitors. The city plays host to a number of prestigious events including an international film festival, an annual summer jazz festival and several food and drink events. 

Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of more than 115 hotels and resorts each hand-picked for its distinct character, appealing to travellers seeking one-of-a-kind discoveries and an independent hotel experience.

Palacio Bellas Artes Hotel San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton will be located at Calle Urbieta 59 y Calle Prim 38, 20006, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain. San Sebastian airport is around 20 kilometres from the hotel, with international arrivals from Biarritz Airport and Bilbao Airport around 50 and 100 kilometres away respectively.