International News

International News

InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) acquires Six Senses for $300 million

IHG buys luxury hotel operator Six Senses Hotels Resorts & Spas from Pegasus Capital Advisors for $300 million. Revealing a move which increases IHG’s global presence and adds a hefty number of luxurious properties in some of the world’s most desirable and exotic destinations, the purchase of Six Senses by the hospitality goliath has been announced. Huge acquisitions are always a hot topic in the hospitality industry, and the latest news that industry giant InterContinental Hotel Group has bought luxury hotel group Six Senses from Pegasus Capital Advisors certainly falls into that category. For the cool price of $300m, IHG now takes control of all of Six Senses’ 16 hotels, 18 management contracts in the pipeline and more than 50 deals currently in negotiation. The move reflects IHG’s ambition to expand further into the luxury market, and Six Senses’ portfolio of idyllic properties in the Maldives, Thailand, Oman and Portugal, to name but a few, fully cements this intention. Six Senses will sit above IHG’s other luxury acquisitions of late, including Regent Hotels and Kimpton Hotels. Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer of IHG, said, “Six Senses is an outstanding brand in the top-tier of luxury and one we’ve admired for some time. You only have to look at its iconic hotels and resorts to see how this acquisition will further round out our luxury offer. With a focus on wellness and sustainability, Six Senses has been voted the world’s top hotel brand for the past two years, which is a testament to its impressive management team who bring deep experience to IHG’s luxury operations.” The acquisition was conducted for $300m in cash and involves the sale of the Six Senses brand and its management business. While Six Senses has been operating as an asset-light business, IHG intends to grow Six Senses substantially over the next 10 years to reach a total of approximately 60 properties. The purchase does not include any real estate assets, but focuses on incorporating Six Senses spas, which total 37 under the Six Senses and LivNordic brands. The process of acquisition is a complex one, further complicated by the spa element, so no doubt both IHG and Six Senses were grateful that consultancy firm Horwath HTL Health and Wellness were on hand to advise. The company’s experience in wellness undoubtedly proved invaluable, and Ingo Schweder, Managing Director of Horwath HTL Health and Wellness, spoke of the trajectory of the wellness industry, saying, “With IHG’s acquisition of Six Senses, we see yet another major hospitality group making a large, strategic investment in wellness, signalling that wellness is not a fad but, in fact, the new reality and a necessary component of the hospitality business. People are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and wellbeing and investing in themselves to ensure an optimal status of health whether at home or while traveling.”

Create: Apr 9, 2019 Edit: Apr 10, 2019

Sochi, Apartment Actor Galaxy

Situated within 4.4 km of Sochi Circus in Sochi, Apartment Actor Galaxy provides accommodation with free WiFi. Every unit is fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine, kettle and kitchen. Some units include a dining area and/or a terrace. The apartment offers an outdoor pool. A private beach area can be found at Apartment Actor Galaxy, along with a shared lounge. Sochi Summer Theatre is 5 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Adler-Sochi International Airport, 20 km from the property.

Create: Mar 27, 2019 Edit: Apr 13, 2019

Radisson RED Miami Brickell Hotel to Open 2021

Hotel News - Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of its second Radisson RED in Miami, Fla. The new-build hotel, located at 900 SW 2nd Avenue, will feature 180 guest rooms. Guests can unwind at the rooftop restaurant and bar, OUIBar + KTCHN, boasting panoramic views and a relaxing atmosphere. The lifestyle hotel brand inspired by art, fashion and music provides a bold take on hospitality for the connected traveler. Each Radisson RED hotel embraces its city by incorporating unique local elements to the stay experience. Located in the vibrant Brickell neighborhood, the hotel will be near fantastic restaurants, art galleries and fashionable boutiques. Construction on the hotel is anticipated to begin early-2020 with plans to open mid-2021. "We are thrilled to bring a second Radisson RED into the dynamic city of Miami, a location that perfectly aligns with the brand's DNA," said Ken Greene, president, Americas, Radisson Hotel Group. "This hotel will be a top-notch destination catering to business and leisure guests in South Florida's booming tourism industry. This is an excellent way to start the year as we plan to announce more key signings in the coming months, which exemplifies our growth strategy outlined in our five-year plan." The signing of Radisson RED Miami Brickell marks the brand's sixth hotel in the Americas. This announcement follows the recent signing of a Radisson RED in Plano, Texas and the opening of Radisson RED Portland Downtown and Radisson RED Campinas. Radisson RED Miami Airport is expected to open late 2019. The brand opened its first Americas hotel in Minneapolis, Minn. There are also locations in Brussels, Cape Town and Glasgow. Radisson RED Miami

Create: Mar 18, 2019 Edit: Sep 17, 2019

Rockliffe Hall’s Gym Gets Makeover – Darlington, United Kingdom

Rockliffe Hall has invested £200,000 in a complete refurbishment of its gym to help maintain the five red star resort’s position as one of the most prestigious in the UK. The gym includes the most up-to-date cardio, resistance and functional training equipment from Technogym, official supplier to the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the last two decades. Rockliffe Hall’s gym has also been completely redecorated to finish off its fresh new look. The new-look gym also includes a larger free-weight and functional area, while retaining the Kinesis Wall and MyWellness software.

Create: Mar 14, 2019 Edit: Mar 17, 2019

Stein Eriksen Residences Unveils New Restaurant The 7-8-8-0 Club – Utah, USA

Stein Eriksen Residences, the finest mountain lodging experience in modern luxury, welcomes guests to its onsite dining establishment, The 7-8-8-0 Club, now open for the 2019 winter season. The latest addition to Stein Collection’s world-renowned restaurants, The 7-8-8-0 Club features an innovative menu of new favourites and savoury foods with convenient ski-out/ski-in access for skiers enjoying the slopes of Deer Valley Resort. Menu items include delectable dishes like Short Rib Poutine, Edamame & Cashew Hummus with Crudité Vegetables, and Utah Smoked Trout Mousse. Winter season brings an après-ski experience that is impeccably complemented by the spectacular snow-capped mountain views while cool summer nights pair perfectly with the open terrace and inviting fire pits – not to mention the expansive vistas

Create: Mar 14, 2019 Edit: Mar 17, 2019

Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa Completes Multi-Million Wellness Renovation – Sausalito, USA

Overlooking Sausalito’s boat-filled harbour on Richardson’s Bay, Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa is unveiling a multi-million-dollar renovation with a focus on the lobby and a new Wellness Experience. The recent renovation focused on the following spaces: newly constructed modern lobby with 20 foot stone wall and co-working space; the spa with three bright treatment rooms; a dedicated Wellness Courtyard with a 62-inch television featuring Fitness-On-Demand workouts; and nine dedicated Wellness Guest Rooms, with tech forward amenities. The final stage of the renovation, due to be completed in Spring 2019, is a cutting-edge fitness room with Peloton spin bikes and classes. Giving guests a glance into the future, Casa Madrona will be the first hotel to introduce a sleep fitness program leveraging innovative technology and personal biometrics.

Create: Mar 14, 2019 Edit: Mar 17, 2019

Schweizerhof Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn in the heart of The Alps

Recently acquired by Michel Reybier, the iconic Schweizerhof Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn in the heart of The Alps, re-opened on 21st December, transformed, ready for the 2019 ski season. The new style is warm and bold, with alpine charm, including soft rugs and wood which are present throughout. Some of the in-room technology includes Chromecast devices for screen mirroring, Netflix and Spotify account access, smart lighting control and RFID room keys. A client app also enables guests to book their table and pay their bill, book spa treatments, open their room, speak with the in-house teams, reserve ski equipment and check the slope conditions. The Spa by Schweizerhof offers an exclusive list of spa treatments created with cosmeceutical products from Nescens, the Swiss anti-ageing science. Guests will also be kept entertained with an indoor swimming pool, three saunas open 24/7, a Turkish bath and a fitness centre, while yoga masterclass and private fitness coach are also available. The Valais region is honoured in each dish at the Cheese Factory: a table with a decidedly Swiss “stübli” feel, where raclette and fondue can be shared in an atmosphere roused by the Alpen horn and Swiss folk music. Try one of the unashamedly rich desserts on the menu including the meringue with red berries served with Gruyère double cream.

Create: Mar 13, 2019 Edit: Mar 17, 2019

Take a look at “Hoshino”, a new Japanese hotel, made up of zero to one hundred ice-free

Japan’s fabulous country is full of strange hotels, but the new ice-skating hotel built in Shimukapu is perhaps the most exclusive. The Hoshino Hotel is frozen in the Tomamu Ice Age, located in Japan’s second largest island of Hokkaido, from zero to one hundred. Except for sleeping bags that are used at bedtime, everything in the hotel is made of ice, from rooms and washbasins to public halls and hotel bar. But this hotel only works in a limited time in the winter, so the rooms that are made like the Eskimo Houses are filled up very soon. We will continue to make interesting pictures of this hotel and take a look at this beautiful and dreamy residence. The Ice Cream Hotel in Chuiko, made in Hokkaido, is a completely frozen and frozen hotel. This hotel is part of a pumped village called Tomamu that offers a variety of facilities for visitors, including ice skating, a variety of food and beverages, and a warm water bath (hot tub in the open air). There is also a full icy cafe with shelves full of books. Cafe chairs and even fireplaces are made of ice. The Tomamu Cafe is a place for relaxation and relaxation, in addition to a variety of drinks, Fondo’s meals are served with frozen vegetables.

Create: Mar 12, 2019 Edit: Mar 17, 2019

Hotel Montchalet: From infrared saunas and smart dining room to transfer guests in Maserati

Set in the idyllic mountain village of Ortisei, in Val Gardena, Hotel Montchalet is surrounded by the soaring natural wonders of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The property combines four ranges of luxury suites (silver, gold, platinum and VIP) featuring pebble tones and crisp whites, silver tints and charcoal accents – alongside beautifully exposed wood. Some of the suites even include their own private infrared saunas as well as steam baths and outdoor Jacuzzis. Its spa and wellness area has been designed to ensure deep relaxation boasting unique facilities such as futuristic floating sunbeds by NU RELAX, an indoor pool, experience showers and a fitness area with Technogym machines. When it comes to gastronomy, the smartly-dressed dining room exudes a sense of high-altitude glitz serving wellness cuisine with reimagined traditional Tyrolean recipes. The property provides daily Maserati transfers to Europe’s finest slopes as well as sleigh rides and snowshoeing during the winter. Guests looking to enjoy active holidays need only ask the hotel’s knowledgeable concierge team. From organising golf or tennis lessons, mountain biking, paragliding to hiking routes in the Dolomites, they know the region like the back of their hands.

Create: Mar 11, 2019 Edit: Mar 17, 2019

Hotel Nantipa in picturesque part of Costa Rica

I m mersed in the surf culture of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula, Hotel Nantipa is set to make waves in this picturesque part of Costa Rica with every design element inspired by the ocean and the sky – right down to its name, which means ‘blue’ in the native Nicoya tribal language. The cloud-nine boutique retreat offers beach-edge suites and bungalows with hammocks and garden, pool or ocean views ensuring guests have the sand between their toes and the soothing sound of the sea in their ears from dusk til dawn. Beautifully positioned right on the beach, Nantipa’s restaurant serves creative Costa Rican cuisine with a side of sunset views. The zingy ceviche assortments and the grilled seafood are staples on the authentic menu that also features favourites like tacos, gallos, casados among other local delicacies. With the wildlife-rich jungle behind and the ocean in front, there is plenty to do in the area from surf lessons and beach horseback riding to visiting the mighty Montezuma Waterfall or taking a boat to the talcum powder sands of Tortuga Island. SLH Insider Tip: The beach in front of Nantipa has scenic rocks with small tide pools perfect for children to dip in before enjoying a swim in the 270 square meters pool at the center of the property.

Create: Mar 7, 2019 Edit: Mar 17, 2019

Faarufushi Maldives will welcome guests from March 2019 with 80 spacious villas

Bringing barefoot luxury to the remote northern Raa Atoll, Faarufushi Maldives will welcome guests from March 2019 with 80 spacious villas that offer a striking realisation of contemporary design amidst a naturally stunning seascape. Hidden among palm trees are 10 Beach Bungalows and 27 Beach Retreats, whilst 39 sleek Ocean Retreats with Pool are positioned over the island’s sparkling azure lagoon. For the ultimate indulgence, the Island Residence comes complete with an individual expansive infinity pool overlooking at its very own stretch of the Indian Ocean. The hotel’s Nika Spa blends into the lush vegetation of the island with six treatment rooms and a garden compound with a hydro pool surrounded by outdoor lounges and relaxation pavilions. The Faarufushi house reef boasts magnificent coral overhangs and swim throughs, allowing guests to discover the abundant marine life that lies beneath the waves. This spectacular reef will be the ideal experience for divers and snorkelers alike. At the reef’s edge, the overwater bar with alfresco seating provides the perfect sunset view as well as a great location to enjoy floral and tea-inspired cocktails.

Create: Mar 6, 2019 Edit: Mar 17, 2019

Quinta da Comporta is the new sustainable signature project

Located in the heart of Comporta’s idyllic village, Quinta da Comporta is the new sustainable signature project envisioned and designed by renowned Portuguese architect, Miguel Câncio Martins. Nestled on a stunning 17-hectare estate, surrounded by undulating umbrella pines and cork trees, wild sand dunes, stunning rice fields and over 60km of pristine, white-sand beaches, the hotel features whitewashed walls and cool-toned touches, reflective of both traditional Portuguese style and contemporary design. Each room has a luxurious beach hut feel, with rustic-style furniture drawn from a natural colour palette and sun-bleached woods that merge seamlessly with the hotel’s beautiful surroundings. The restaurant serves organic and fresh produce that is locally sourced and harvested in the hotel’s Bio Garden. Rising out of the Rice Fields just over the heated Infinity Pool, Oryza Spa uses rice as the core element of inspiration, sourcing its health and holistic benefits through the development of innovative treatments and products that are exclusive to the spa. Guests should pay a visit to Comporta Café on Comporta beach, a rustic lounge bar featuring a row of white cabanas and DJs spinning house music at sunset. It is a great place to enjoy a cocktail or a plate of seafood.

Create: Mar 4, 2019 Edit: Mar 17, 2019