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. 

 

Hilton announced the opening of Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort

Hilton announced the opening of Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, marking the company’s first-ever all-inclusive offering in Tulum. Located beyond the mangroves and overlooking the white-sand beaches and Caribbean coastline of the Riviera Maya, the beachside resort is a destination unto itself, offering a new kind of retreat for travellers seeking great service and extensive amenities alongside enriching the culture and lasting experiences. The resort offers rooms and suites in three-story villa-style buildings, a variety of dining experiences including five signature restaurants, a vast selection of entertainment, activities and pools and a dedicated, secluded Family Zone with a water park playground. With 735 rooms, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort is Hilton’s largest resort in the Caribbean and Latin America and joins the campus of the recently debuted Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, with nearly 30 additional Hilton-branded properties set to open in Mexico in the coming years.

“As we continue to strategically expand our footprint across the Caribbean and Latin America, Mexico remains a priority as we move closer to reaching 100 hotels in the country, which represents our 5th largest in number of hotels, in the next four years”, said Danny Hughes, executive vice president and president, Americas, Hilton. “The opening of Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort is an incredibly exciting addition to our rapidly growing portfolio of premier all-inclusive resorts in the most sought-after beachfront destinations around the globe.”

“Tulum provides a unique market to expand and elevate our all-inclusive footprint and showcase our diverse range of brand experiences to meet the needs of travellers,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton. “Joining Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya and the anticipated debut of our first lifestyle property in the region, Motto by Hilton Tulum, the opening of Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort provides guests with even more options to experience our brands in this desirable travel destination. Bringing Hilton’s unrivalled all-inclusive hospitality to Tulum opens up a world of possibilities for those looking to immerse themselves in this extraordinary destination in a whole new way.”

Hang Eleven Properties and Life House Team up on New-Build Hotel in Squamish, British Columbia

Hang Eleven Properties and Life House Team up on New-Build Hotel in Squamish, British Columbia

Local entrepreneur and developer Rodney Wilson will soon break ground on Beldi, a 48-key boutique hotel in Squamish, British Columbia. Independent hotel management company Life House will oversee operations. The hotel concept and design will be a collaboration between HunterOffice, an architectural firm and urban infill specialist based in Squamish, and Ste. Marie Studio, is a commercial interior design studio and creative consultancy based in Vancouver.

The town of Squamish sits between Vancouver and Whistler where the ocean meets the mountains. Once a “pass-through” town on the way to Whistler, it has become a destination of its own, increasingly popular with adventure-seekers and transplants from Vancouver attracted to a more outdoor lifestyle. The dramatic landscape, defined by the towering granite monolith known as the Chief, lends itself well to activities like mountain climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and kite surfing. The area has now become a buzzing community of outdoor enthusiasts and young professionals with a slew of new coffee shops and restaurants amongst the local attractions.

Beldi will be a 48-room boutique hotel offering a ground-floor restaurant and roof-top lounge area that will serve as both a co-working space by day, and cocktail bar by night. Originally conceived as a micro-hotel, the property will draw inspiration from Rifugi, the classic mountain huts of the Alps that offer travelers affordable accommodations with a focus on community and adventure. These retreats were designed as a homebase for hikers, climbers, and skiers who would come together at night to share stories of their day over food and drink. Beldi’s design will take cues from these traditional spaces, using materials inspired by nature, and built with sustainability in mind.

“Beldi will be the first high-end, lifestyle property in Squamish, and we are honored to be a part of the area’s transformation, offering a new hub for modern travelers looking for adventure but also convenience,” says Wilson who has been a Squamish resident since 2003, “We can’t think of a better partner than Life House who’s tech-enabled platform brings value to the hotel while creating a more seamless experience for the guest.”

Life House will serve as a full-service management partner, overseeing operations, revenue, marketing, and F&B. They currently operate over 60 hotels across North America from roadside motels to 5-star luxury properties, supporting hotel owners with a diverse suite of offerings including tech-enabled management, hotel branding, and Revenue SAAS. While this is the first property in Canada, Life House already has a robust team based in Toronto and Montreal who work across product, design, and revenue.

“We are thrilled to be entering the Canadian market with the Beldi team who shares our passion for creating exceptional guest experiences with a strong sense of community and a responsiveness to the surroundings,” said Bryan Dunn, Managing Director and Head of Growth at Life House. “We expect this will be the first of many opportunities as we expand in the region.”

Hang Eleven Properties are seeking additional hospitality opportunities throughout British Columbia, with target markets including Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Sooke and Tofino.

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Hyatt Hotels continues its support of Russia

Hyatt Hotels has reiterated its stance and support of ongoing operations in Russia under its brand of hotels. Whilst Hyatt has halted development activities and new investments in Russia, it previously stated it had terminated or is suspending the provision of services to the third-party owners of all Hyatt hotels in Russia, yet according to internal records, it has only terminated one thus far.  "The third-party owners may continue to operate the hotels in the Russian market under the relevant brand. "We are grateful for our relationships with the hotels’ owners – many of whom have been trusted partners for years – and look forward to a time when the circumstances allow us to resume providing services to these hotels."

Hyatt's statement also goes on to state;  "We are particularly grateful for our colleagues at the hotels in Russia who have demonstrated dedication and care to guests throughout difficult circumstances. To the extent we are able to, we are working with the hotels’ owners to ensure a smooth transition and minimize the impact on colleagues and guests. We are determining how best to support and care for the hotels’ colleagues and current guests."

Hyatt is also allowing members of its World of Hyatt loyalty programme to use points to support Red Cross relief efforts including in Russia. Previously the company said it was heartbroken by the situation in Ukraine,  now the firm has reduced its emotion to just immense concern and following consultation with its Russian investors it has thus far refused to call it an invasion, or war and refers to the war as the "Situation in Ukraine". 

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Celebrating the launch of its newest lifestyle brand, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the introduction of the Caption by Hyatt brand with the planned summer 2022

Celebrating the launch of its newest lifestyle brand, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the introduction of the Caption by Hyatt brand with the planned summer 2022 opening of the 136-room Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis in Tenn. Situated in the heart of famed and vibrant Beale Street, the highly anticipated upscale, select-service hotel will introduce a dynamic hospitality experience with an unmistakable neighbourhood feel. The Caption by Hyatt brand is also expected to grow in key global leisure markets through 2024, including Shanghai, Tokyo, and more.

Caption by Hyatt hotels will combine the design and comfort of an upscale, lifestyle-forward hotel with the flexibility of a select-service property. Grounded in caring for people and place and creating connections between them, the Caption by Hyatt brand is committed to hiring diverse talent, vendors, artisans, and suppliers – and celebrating the diversity of people in the communities in which Caption by Hyatt hotels will be located.

“The Caption by Hyatt brand was designed to reimagine what it means to see your own lifestyle and values reflected in travel,” shares vice president and global brand leader of Hyatt’s lifestyle & luxury brands, Crystal Vinisse Thomas. “We wanted to offer a space where you can do you and be you and create an environment that encourages guests to make the Caption by Hyatt experience their own. We’re thrilled to see the first Caption by Hyatt hotel come to life on vibrant Beale Street in Memphis.”

Upcycled & community-inspired Design and Décor

By rethinking how spaces are constructed, how materials are used, and how art and accessories are implemented, Caption by Hyatt hotels will create an environment that feels more authentic and playful, but also more lasting and responsible.

Reflective of the brand’s eclectic contemporary-meets-urban industrial aesthetic, the hotel will feature light-filled contemporary spaces with a strong industrial flare. Designed by HBG Design, Caption by Hyatt Beale Street Memphis will be integrated into the historic main building of Wm. C Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop, one of the earliest and longest-running businesses in the city. The historic building will house the hotel’s ground and second floors, and a new 136-guestroom tower will rise above, offering guests spectacular views of the Mississippi River and Memphis skyline. The property will combine a layering of colours, textures, and hand-painted murals that nod to the storied city it calls home.

A commitment to sustainability will also be incorporated at every level of the brand, including prohibiting zero single-use plastics, placing hydration stations on every floor and utilizing materials with recycled content as well as materials that improve with age and use.

The largest Pullman hotel in Europe reopens its doors........

The Pullman Paris Montparnasse is the largest Pullman hotel in Europe and has reopened on Paris’s Left Bank after a four-year makeover and top to bottom revitalization.

Pullman Hotels & Resorts is delighted to introduce the fresh new style of Pullman Paris Montparnasse, a 115-meter, an avant-garde skyscraper designed by Pierre Dufau in 1972, and a landmark of modern architecture in the heart of Paris. The flagship property sits within a new complex and is part of a larger project that will revitalize the Montparnasse station (which handles more than 60 million commuters a year, transform the Montparnasse Tower (by 2024) and reconnect to the Gaîté quarter and its theatres.

Innovative architecture, vibrant design and immersive art

Design duo Benjamin Clarens and Yann Martin, founders of CUT Architectures, were commissioned to reimagine Pullman Paris Montparnasse as a modern, innovation-oriented place: they have dreamed up an open-plan environment that is decidedly different from the straight, linear architecture of the Montparnasse neighbourhood. Their design vision has created concentric spaces, where areas intended to facilitate interaction alternate with places meant for relaxation. This approach is evident all around the hotel, from the lobby with its circular ceilings to the detail of the bedroom lights and the large structures in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom.

To offer travellers dynamic opportunities for escape and inspiration, Pullman Paris Montparnasse will launch the Artist’s Playground in 2022, one of the pillars of the Pullman brand: an immersive exploration of digital art. Alexandre Toledano, the founder of Visto, a company specializing in curating art within premium and luxury hotels, has assembled an engaging collection of work by contemporary international artists. The works are displayed on a series of screens throughout the hotel and reflect the neighbourhood, its architecture, its daylight and nocturnal rhythms.

In addition to these screens, the property will feature other digital creations, such as a 40-meter outdoor fresco and 3D printed sculptures. The Artist’s Playground and its installations constitute an astonishing art collection that will be continually refreshed.

Inspiring guestroom views

Spanning the eighth to the 32nd floors, the 957 bedrooms, suites and apartments of Pullman Paris Montparnasse offer unparalleled views of the capital. All throughout the property, the hotel offers inspiring spaces where guests can endlessly contemplate “La Ville-Lumière” (City of Lights), admiring the Panthéon, Sacré-Cœur, the Montparnasse Tower, Saint-Sulpice, or the Luxembourg Gardens. The bedrooms, accessible via long corridors with retro-futurist lighting, make full use of their generous dimensions. The classic categories have 22 sq m (240 sq ft) of living space; this increases to 29 sq m (312 sq ft) in Deluxe rooms and 30 sq m (325 sq ft) in Deluxe Executive rooms. Meanwhile, the Suites and apartments offers guests 60 sq m (645 sq ft) of space to make the most of their visit.

Hilton Boosts Eco-Conscious Travel Across Properties in Asia Pacific

Hilton Boosts Eco-Conscious Travel Across Properties in the Asia Pacific

Hilton promotes conscious travel across its properties in the Asia Pacific by making sustainable practices more accessible for guests, as travellers now seek more meaningful experiences. Honouring this year’s Earth Day theme, “Invest in Our Planet”, Hilton has released its latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which emphasizes its renewed commitment to taking real-world actions to reduce the environmental and social impact of its hotels and operations worldwide in pursuit of a better world to travel.

Across its global network, Hilton continues to considerably close the gap toward meeting key sustainability targets from its Travel with Purpose 2030 Goals. In 2021, Hilton recorded:

70% reduction in landfilled waste per square meter from the 2008 baseline (2030 goal: 50%)

49% reduction in CO2 emissions intensity per square meter from 2008 baseline (2030 goal: 61%)

39% reduction in water consumption per square meter from the 2008 baseline (2030 goal: 50%)

$1B+ cumulative savings in energy costs since 2009, monitored through LightStay.

In the Asia Pacific, Hilton focuses on driving responsible and sustainable tourism through a wide range of initiatives aimed at making a positive environmental and social impact - from advancing restoration efforts to reimagining business events as corporate travel makes a comeback. 

Driving Holistic Water Stewardship

Leading river cleanup organization Sungai Watch aims to protect waterways on the Indonesian island by developing and testing trash barriers that prevent plastics from entering the ocean. As Bali’s waterway guardians, the group also documents data on trash found in rivers, to deepen the conversation with companies on how to use more environmentally friendly materials. 

In support of its efforts in leading environmental restoration and providing communities access to clean water, Hilton has named Sungai Watch as one of its 2021 Hilton Effect Foundation grantees. The grant will enable the organization to install more trash barriers to lessen the impact of plastics on the community.

More than a million blooms at Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival until 5th June

For a third year, Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (April 22 – June 5) blossoms against a Smoky Mountain backdrop to deliver brilliant floral hues to guests. During this year’s instalment of the festival, guests can appreciate the vibrant beauty of more than a million blooms, explore the fresh flavours of spring with an immersive tasting pass and delight in unique entertainment offerings.

In 2021, the Flower & Food Festival was honoured with the inaugural Brass Ring Award for “Best New Food and Beverage Festival or Special Event” by the International Association for Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The festival features elaborate floral installations that emerge throughout the park to translate nature into living art, each coming together to create a breathtaking display of more than a million blooms in total. In fact, the Flower & Food Festival grows by 30% thanks to new displays, entertainment and interactive elements.

Mosaiculture icons include a peacock, a beekeeper tending to a hive and a mallard duck. These whimsical new additions join a lineup of beloved displays: the signature butterfly umbrella, woodland animal friends and the touching depiction of Dolly’s mother crafting the Coat of Many Colors. These sculptures are designed in partnership with Mosaicultures International, a Montreal-based company that specializes in the art of elaborate floral decorations.

“Spring has always been so wonderful to me because the flowers start growing, the sun shines for a little longer, and the birds start singing a new song,” Dolly Parton said. “When I was little and the weather started warming up, all us kids would gather on the porch in the afternoon and enjoy lemonade that Mama brought out for us. That’s springtime to me – getting to make memories with my family and taking in the beautiful colours everywhere.”

“I hope that when families come to Dollywood during our festival, they get those same feelings of joy. This year, our guests can take a walk in my special butterfly garden and even see my Mama making my coat of many colours. I think the festival will continue to bloom even bigger and brighter right here in these beautiful mountains.”

While admiring the vivid colours blooming throughout the park, guests can explore a menu crafted with inspiration from fresh spring flavours and Smoky Mountain flair. Returning for this year is the tasting pass, which allows guests to partake in multiple food items at different festival locations.

The tasting pass, which can be purchased in the park or online, is $34.99 plus tax or $31.99 plus tax for gold and diamond pass holders. With this pass, guests can sample five food offerings at any Flower & Food Festival culinary location. This year’s festival menu features a Cuban sandwich with mojo sauce, Reuben spring roll, chicken and andouille skillet, beef bulgogi nachos, seafood mac and cheese, berry and honey funnel cakes, and hand-decorated flower-themed cookies and cupcakes among many other tasty spring dishes.

A highlight of the festival this year is entertainment, including “Dolly’s Butterfly Garden” and the return of a former guest favourite to the park. Dolly’s Butterfly Garden is an immersive experience that allows guests to interact with natural elements in a new way. Created by Montreal, Canada’s Moment Factory, this exhibit will take place in Adventures in Imagination throughout the festival. Performers from Australia combine theatrical elements and acrobatics for a thrilling new show called “Bloom!” that takes place high above ground while performers are situated atop sway poles. Guests will not want to miss this elevated display.

Dollywood’s streets are filled with music during the Flower & Food Festival. The Hall Sisters, an energetic quartet of country-pop performers, will set the stage in Craftsman’s Valley. A returning favourite show, “A Brighter Day,” features five daily performances at the Back Porch Theater. All shows are included with park admission. A full schedule of live performances is available at Dollywood.com.

Back to provide shade along Show street is the mesmerizing Umbrella Sky, which brings together hundreds of colourful umbrellas in a brilliant, suspended arrangement that makes for an “Instagram-worthy” background. Guests looking to capture picture-perfect memories at Dollywood can stop by several locations in the park for an amazing photo. These include the Hillside Carpet Display that brings a florally-crafted sunset to Rivertown Junction, the pathways of Adventures in Imagination that are decorated with creative chalk art portraits, and Dolly’s Butterfly Garden exhibit in Adventures in Imagination.

Festival elements carry over into Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa where guests find festive décor and stunning floral accents. Daily mocktails and cocktails will be served in The Lounge at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, each drawing inspiration from the essence of springtime. Families can enjoy live entertainment in the lobby atrium, festival-inspired cuisine at Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery and festival-themed activities at Camp DW. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa hosts a Winemaker’s Dinner for guests on Saturday, May 21 inside Song & Hearth: A Southern Eatery. This unique dining experience pairs festival-inspired culinary creations with exemplary wines. Reservations for the dinner can be made by calling (865) 868-1246.

Dollywood looks forward to a season bigger and better than ever before. This is the perfect year to purchase a season pass in order to create memories with family and friends at the park all year long. Once the Flower & Food Festival is over, the fun continues with Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Bush’s Beans (June 18-Aug. 7), which features an expanded drone and fireworks show every night. Experience the all-new Hoot Owl Hollow as part of this year’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 23-Oct. 29), then get in the holiday spirit with Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 6-Jan. 1, 2023). The celebration continues all year long at Dollywood.

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