International News

International News

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

Radisson news roundup

Hotel News - Have a look at some of Radisson’s new hotel openings around the world from Ecuador to Georgia RADISSON QUITO REOPENS AFTER $4.5M REFURBISHMENT Radisson’s Park Inn property in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito has reopened to the public after extensive renovations to almost the entirety of the hotel. An incredible $4.5m was pumped into the renovation, which involved not only upgrades to the rooms and common areas, but also gave the hotel a brand new look and feel. The hotel benefits from an amazing location close to the city’s trendy Zona Rosa area, which is also close to the business, financial and shopping districts. The hotel boasts 55 guest rooms and suites, with guests also being able to access the state of the art fitness and wellness centre. Business travelers will also be able to avail of on-site conference and meeting facilities, which have been designed in line with current informal work trends. Frances Gonzalez, vice president of Operations for Radisson Hotel Group in Latin America, says, “We are thrilled to re-introduce one of our excellent brands in the great city of Quito, while exemplifying our growth strategy for Latin America. This fantastic hotel embraces what the Park Inn by Radisson brand is all about with its vibrant colors, unique design and amenities, along with the dedicated staff that provides our ‘Happiness Guarantee.’” RADISSON COLLECTION OPENS IN GEORGIA’S WINE REGION Radisson has unveiled the newest addition to its premium lifestyle collection in the prestigious wine region of Georgia, Tsinandali. The hotel is a stunning 141-key property set within its very own vineyard, which boasts a historic winery, a rooftop spa and outdoor swimming pool. The design of the hotel has been executed with elegance and sophistication, and blends vernacular elements of Georgian style with contemporary flourishes to result in a truly unique offering, which fits with the Radisson Collection properties. Michel Stalport, Area Senior Vice President Russia and Eastern Europe, says, “Georgia is recognized as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, known to be the birthplace of wine, and a place where travelers are welcomed with hospitality like nowhere else. The estate combines magnificent architecture and historical authenticity with the finest new design details to provide guests with truly exceptional and memorable stays.” Wine lovers will rejoice in the experiences available at the hotel, which range from wine tasting and tours to learning about the bottles housed in Prince Alexander Chavchavadze’s personal wine cellar collection.

Create: Mar 2, 2019 Edit: Mar 5, 2019

Makkah set to get the world’s biggest Crowne Plaza Hotel

InterContinental Hotel Group and Bougary Holding sign 1,200-room Crowne Plaza, scheduled to open in Makkah, Saudi Arabia in 2019. InterContinental Hotel Group and Bougary Holding have signed the world’s largest Crowne Plaza, which totals 1,200 rooms, which an opening scheduled for 2019 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Located in close proximity to the Holy Mosque, the hotel will join the existing InterContinental and Holiday Inn in the city, totalling three properties there. Crowne Plaza Makkah Beban will also offer two restaurants and a coffee shop, a business center, and three meeting rooms (3,323 sqm in total) that can be used as an event space. A WELCOME VENTURE Involved stakeholders were excited about the new agreement. IHG Managing Director India, Middle East & Africa Pascal Gauvin said in a statement: “Saudi Arabia offers great opportunities both in terms of domestic and inbound tourism and is central to our expansion strategy in the Middle East.” He added: “This is a milestone signing for us in the Middle East and is testament to our commitment to the market.” Bougary Holding Co. CEO Loay Bougary said: “We are proud to partner with a strong global player such as IHG on this milestone development. IHG is a trusted brand with in-depth knowledge of the Kingdom and Crowne Plaza Makkah Beban will bring a full range of amenities to pilgrims and other travellers looking for a high-quality hospitality experience.” PRECEDENT FOR LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENT This is not the first hotel in the area to have billed itself as the world’s largest. In fact, this new property follows other operators that also have “world’s largest” properties in Makkah – with Marriott opening the world’s largest Sheraton at 1,136 rooms and Radisson Hospitality signing the world’s largest Radisson Blu and Park Inn by Radisson.

Create: Feb 27, 2019 Edit: Mar 2, 2019

3H Group plans new hotel after $10.25 million site purchase

3H Group shells out $10.25 million for the Brickell development site, where a Residence Inn by Marriott was being planned 3H Group has paid $10.25 million for property located in Miami’s Brickell, which the company plans to use as a new hotel development site. 3H Group, a US-based organization with its headquarters in Tennessee, paid approximately $200 per square foot for the site, which is located in Brickell at 1741 Southwest Second Avenue in Miami. BIG PLANS The site totals four properties and covers roughly 30,000 square feet, marking a significant investment for the company. The seller of the site was the Doral-based Hotelex Properties, which initially planned to build a 206-room Residence Inn by Marriott, property records show. The company paid $6.05 million for the assemblage in 2014. The Brickell site is in front of the Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami and near the Habitat Residence Condo Hotel.

Create: Feb 26, 2019 Edit: Mar 5, 2019

Red Planet Japan steps up Asian expansion with $59.5 million acquisition

Hotel News - Red Planet Japan announces the $59.5 million acquisition of the Thailand-based hotel arm of its parent company Red Planet Hotels Limited on the back of a series of expansion announcements in the Asia Pacific region. Red Planet Japan has announced that it is acquiring the Thailand-based hotel arm of its parent company Red Planet Hotels Limited. Industry experts say the acquisition is likely to be completed by the end of the first quarter of the financial year 2019. Red Planet Japan will acquire a half dozen hotel-owning companies in Thailand, all of them from its parent company. This will make for a total acquisition consideration of 6.5 billion Japanese yen or $59.5 million. The acquisition includes five operating hotels, located in Surawong (Bangkok), Patong (Phuket), Asoke (Bangkok), Pattaya, and Hat Yai. It also includes a sixth property that is currently under development in Sukhumvit Soi 8 (Bangkok). The operating hotels being acquired in Thailand have a recorded sales that totals 692 million Japanese yen ($6 million) in 2017 and 787 million Japanese yen ($7.1 million) in 2018. As a result of this acquisition, Red Planet Japan’s portfolio will increase to a total of 15 hotels in Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines, including five hotels under development. EXPANSION OF JAPANESE TOURISM Japan, like many markets with easy access to Southeast Asia, has undergone a tourism boom in recent years. Factors such as the expansion of low-cost carrier routes, the loosening of visa requirements, and a growing affinity for Japanese culture, has fueled a substantial increase in the number of tourists travelling from Southeast Asia to Japan in recent years, especially from Thailand.

Create: Feb 25, 2019 Edit: Feb 26, 2019

World Tourism Organization Consultant services to Tourism companies

Regional project in Honduras, Integrated Central American Quality and Sustainability System, offers audits and advice to tourism companies requiring quality management. Companies passing the audit get a Quality Certification, signifying value and esteem in tourism market. These quality criteria encompass a range of requirements related to sustainability in order to enable tourism to act as a tool for sustainable development. SICCS benefits tourism companies with a long-term vision of sustainability as a criterion for action, promotes the voluntary commitment to sustainable devleopment criteria aqnd helps to maintain these standards through rigorous audits. The implementation of the project has increased the awareness of entrepreneurs of economic, environmental and social sustainability practices. Furthermore, it has improved their competitiveness. .

Create: Feb 19, 2019 Edit: Feb 20, 2019