Grand Nikko Awaji to open on October 1st 2020

Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Hotel Okura Co., Ltd., announced today that it plans to open the Grand Nikko Awaji on October 1st 2020. After being operated as The Westin Awaji Island and managed by Yumebutai Co., Ltd. and Marriott International Inc. for 20 years, the hotel will be rebranded as a Grand Nikko property and operated under new management.

Located on the northern tip of Awaji Island, the hotel opened in March 2000 as the core facility of the Awaji Yumebutai hotel and conference center complex. It is easily accessible from Honshu via the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, which boasts the longest central span of any suspension bridge in the world. As Japan's first hotel to feature a resort-style conference center, it quickly became popular among guests from Japan and overseas. Over the years, it has provided a next-generation space where people, nature and culture could interact.

Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District Celebrates Official Opening

Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District Celebrates Official Opening

 Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District opened its doors this week, becoming the fourth Hyatt Place hotel in the Boston area. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, including free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings, in addition to a curated art collection. Located just steps away from Boston’s Harbor waterfront, the 297-room Hyatt Place hotel is a collaborative effort with McWHINNEY, a national real estate investment and development firm. The project’s design team included local architect, Arrowstreet and interior design group, Group One Partners. Hyatt will serve as the hotel’s operator.

Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveller. Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District is conveniently located in the heart of the Seaport District overlooking Boston’s Harborwalk and Fish Pier. The pet-friendly hotel is surrounded by breathtaking harbour views, outdoor public art, green spaces and popular restaurants. Just minutes from Boston Logan Airport by boat, car or public transit, and a short walk from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, this hotel is conveniently located for a business or leisure stay in Boston.  

Marriott International Announces Escape To Luxury With Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott International, Inc. announced Escape to Luxury with Marriott Bonvoy, a new offering for guests who book at participating hotels in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America, which includes up to a $300 credit available to be used toward a range of extraordinary experiences and exclusive specialty offers. Launching at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, and EDITION properties, Escape to Luxury with Marriott Bonvoy will be an ongoing offer available for a limited time each month to both Marriott Bonvoy members and non-members as a way to enhance their trips and vacations.

Radisson Hotel Group Extends its Longstanding Relationship with Atlantica Hotels

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce it has signed a Master Franchise Agreement with Atlantica Hotels in Brazil. The two companies have held a longstanding relationship for nearly 20 years. Atlantica Hotels was previously a licensee for Radisson Hotel Group’s brands in Brazil, including Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson and Park Inn by Radisson. The Master Franchise Agreement will cover all seven of Radisson Hotel Group’s brands. The signing of this agreement will extend this relationship for another 20 years while growing Radisson Hotel Group’s presence throughout the country.

“After 20 years supporting the growth of our brands in Brazil, I am thrilled we have the opportunity to extend our relationship with Eduardo and his fantastic team at Atlantica Hotels,” said Jim Alderman, chief executive officer, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group. “Atlantica Hotels has brought our brands to life in vibrant cities throughout Brazil, playing a key role in our strategic growth plan for Latin America. We are excited for what’s to come as we continue our expansion and prepare to open three beautiful new hotels in gorgeous locations.”

IHG® Hotels & Resorts Deepens Commitment to Advancing Equality with Community Partnerships and Programs

IHG® Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announced further updates in its efforts to advance equality for all, through key partnerships and programs with the National Urban League, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Jobs for America’s Graduates.

Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG, said: “The hospitality that we offer to our guests, colleagues and communities is fundamentally underpinned by a culture of respect and inclusion for all people. We recognize and embrace the role that we can play in standing for justice and opportunity, and are honored to support the important work of these organizations. Through these efforts, we will extend the culture we have created at IHG – one where everyone can feel welcome, included and safe – into our communities.”

For nearly thirty years, IHG’s Americas headquarters has been based in Atlanta, a city with a profound legacy of civil rights. In the spirit of this heritage, and building on existing initiatives, in June, IHG announced a series of commitments in the Americas to drive more meaningful progress – both within the company and the communities in which it operates. IHG’s partnerships and programs with these three organizations will focus on driving action in education, employability and empowerment efforts across the U.S.

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe Launches New “Back-To-School” Program Offering A Bespoke Remote Learning Vacation Experience

This fall, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe invites guests to get away and combine school, work and play – with private casita “office” spaces; a new Resort “classroom”; and a series of curated experiences, fun programs and creative learning opportunities designed to engage kids and make it easy for parents to remote school while also enjoying vacation time.

Set amid 57 sprawling acres (23 hectares) in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains just outside Santa Fe, Four Seasons Rancho Encantado is a luxury boutique retreat steeped in distinct adventure, culture, culinary and wellness experiences.

The Resort’s hidden location, surrounded by the outdoors, naturally spacious layout and private stand-alone casita accommodations offer an exclusive escape tailor-made for remote learning and working - coupled with fresh air, inspiring views and a relaxing, personalised home-away-from-home experience in a safe, comfortable environment. It’s back to school, Four Seasons Rancho Encantado-style.

New program highlights include:

eading Wellbeing Brand Exhale Teams up With Amazon for the Launch of Amazon Halo

This week the Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a new collaboration between Hyatt’s Exhale brand and Amazon Halo, a health and wellness membership that uses technology to provide personal wellness insights and offers ways to improve users’ everyday health. Powered by a mobile app and accompanying wristband, the newly launched Amazon Halo service combines science-backed tools and Exhale’s streaming video platform, Exhale On Demand, to help users build healthier habits for life. Available for early access now, the Amazon Halo service gives users and Exhale members greater accessibility to Exhale On Demand’s fitness programs.

Exhale On Demand fitness-focused Labs offered on Amazon Halo are one-to-four-week trackable challenges—like a four-week event prep bootcamp ahead of a special occasion or a three-week challenge focused on core work. The Exhale On Demand labs in Amazon Halo help users build healthier habits and discover the fitness programs that work best for them. At launch, Amazon Halo members can experiment with and have access to seven Exhale On Demand fitness programs curated with specific goals, fitness levels and schedules in mind. In addition, Exhale On Demand users can receive highly accurate data via the Amazon Halo Band, a wrist band built to facilitate the insights in the Amazon Halo app.