Industry News

Capella Kyoto will open on 22 March 2026, just as Kyoto’s legendary cherry blossoms reach their fleeting peak. Set in the historic Miyagawa-cho kagai (geisha district), Capella Hotels and Resorts’ inaugural property in Japan is located steps from the Kenninji temple and the Kamo river where kabuki was born. Photo credits: Capella Kyoto Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates and Singapore-based Brewin Design Office , the 89-key hotel reimagines the city’s traditional machi

Machan Resorts LLP has been conferred with the prestigious *Best Workplace Practices* title at the 34th Edition of the World HRD Congress – Global HR Excellence Awards, held at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Photo credits: Machan Resorts LLP Adding to the honour, Mr. Rakshit Sharma, COO of Machan Resorts LLP, was presented with the Visionary Leader Award for his outstanding leadership and progressive people-centric approach. Ms. Sakshi Sarmandal, Director – Talent & Culture, was rec

The tall-ship cruise line has announced 27 new ports of call across 7 countries for the summer 2027 Mediterranean sailing programme - the highest number of new additions in the line's history. Photo credits: Star Clippers The new ports of call include Astypalea, Pighadia, Gavrio, Chania, Skyros and Parga in Greece; Çeşme, Datça, Kaş, Kekova and Fethiye in Turkey; Roses, Barcelona and Peniscola in Spain; Menton in France; Trogir and Korčula in Croatia; and, in a brand-new cou

After extensive renovations and the construction of a new primary suite, Picnic Island Tasmania officially reopens this month as one of Australia's most exclusive private island experiences. Photo credits: Picnic Island Tasmania The reimagined Picnic Island, located 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay near Freycinet National Park represents the culmination of months of thoughtful renovation and expansion guided by a singular vision: to create a unique destination rooted in ex

Ahead of International Women's Day on 8 March 2026, Discover Aboriginal Experiences celebrates the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who lead, teach and nurture culture across Australia – guiding visitors not only through landscapes, but through knowledge systems sustained for more than 65,000 years. Photo credits: Discover Aboriginal Experiences Across the continent, Indigenous women have always held central roles in community life. They are educators, knowledge

Gencom , a U.S.-based investment firm that owns, operates, and develops prized real estate around the world, announces the acquisition of The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, a 253-key hotel at 50 Central Park South in Midtown Manhattan. This transaction marks the firm’s third luxury hotel acquisition in New York City in the last 16 months. Photo credits: Gencom Following Gencom’s acquisition of the Thompson Central Park in 2024 and its acquisition of the InterContinental

Mandarin Oriental is proud to announce that Simone Biles , the most decorated gymnast of all time and one of the defining athletes of her generation, has joined the brand as its newest Celebrity Fan and first-ever Global Wellness Ambassador. As Global Wellness Ambassador, Biles will collaborate with Mandarin Oriental’s Wellness Board, sharing her insights and perspectives with the Group’s recognised specialists in lifestyle performance, meditation, movement, nutrition and s

For generations, AlUla 's clear skies have played a meaningful role in marking the start of Ramadan, when locals would look to the horizon to sight the new moon and confirm the Holy Month. Today, that same clarity underpins AlUla's evolution into a globally recognised astrotourism destination, now certified as the world's third-largest Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. Photo credits: AlUla Following the newly awarded Dark Sky Park designations for Sharaan National Park

Angsana Velavaru is pleased to announce its nomination in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, a highly regarded recognition celebrating outstanding luxury travel experiences across the Asia Pacific region. Photo credits: Angsana Velavaru This year, Angsana Velavaru has been shortlisted in two categories: Best Resorts for Families and Best Resort Pools, reflecting the resort’s commitment to creating enriching stays that balance relaxation, connection, and

Dusit Thani Kyoto , a refined urban sanctuary that blends Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with Japan’s deep-rooted culture of omotenashi – the wholehearted art of looking after guests – has earned two Four-Star Ratings in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards, recognising both the hotel experience and its integrated wellness offering in the same evaluation cycle. Photo credits: Dusit Thani Kyoto The hotel received a Four-Star Rating for the second consecutive year, fol

On February 11, 2026, Forbes Travel Guide unveiled its latest Star Rating List, awarding Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong with a remarkable 20 Forbes Stars. This accolade reaffirms the property's position among the world's finest luxury destinations. Photo credits: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong The Hotel achieved four Five-Star ratings across the following categories: Property: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Spa: The Spa at Four Seasons Restaurant: Lung King Heen Restaurant: Capric

Galapagos Shark Diving , a conservation-focused dive travel operator, has donated USD 31,523.40 in 2025 to marine conservation initiatives in the Galápagos Islands, directly supporting whale shark research and ocean education for young girls. As part of this commitment, the company has launched the “Name a Whale Shark 2025 Contest”, allowing participating citizen science divers to name newly tagged whale sharks in recognition of their contribution to research. The donations w

Capella Sydney is proud to announce an exclusive collaboration with The Longevity Medicine Institute (LMI), delivering a new standard of personalised, science-led wellness experiences for discerning travellers. Photo credits: Capella Sydney This collaboration positions Capella Sydney as a luxury base for LMI clients during their wellness journey. Guests benefit from preferred accommodation rates, while all appointments and treatments are fully coordinated by the LMI team to

Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa , the acclaimed lakeside retreat in the village of Aurora, New York, has opened the Farmhouse, its most luxurious and wellness-forward accommodation to date. Originally built in 1835 and fully reimagined by global design firm Hart Howerton, whom previously designed the property's spa, the Farmhouse is a meticulous restoration that honors the building's character and craftsmanship. Complementing the heritage structure, a thoughtfully designed contem

Choice Hotels International , Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors and a leader in the extended stay segment, today announced the debut of a newly redesigned prototype for its Everhome Suites® brand—reinforcing the company's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and long-term value creation for owners in the high-growth midscale extended stay category. Photo credits: Choice Hotels International Developed through close collaboration with developers,

Amid swaying coconut palms and the tranquil flow of a river, CGH Earth Saha introduces Pollachi Riverhouse, the newest addition to CGH Earth’s Handpicked Escapes portfolio. Designed as an exclusive three-bedroom private pool villa, this single-key retreat offers families and small groups an intimate escape from city life that blends modern luxury with the rustic charm of Tamil Nadu’s countryside. Photo credits: CGH Earth Saha A scenic 1.5 hour drive from Coimbatore, close to

At Centara Reserve Samui , the resort's wellness philosophy is deeply rooted in an organic, holistic, and sustainable approach. Photo credits: Centara Reserve Samui At the heart of the resort's wellness ethos is a “garden-to-treatment”, the resort maintains its own herb garden where tailored-journey starts with our deeply considered, natural approach to wellbeing at Reserve Spa Cenvaree; one that draws its essence from the island's own living landscape, the wisdom of Thailand

Launching in early Summer 2026, the British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England proudly presents Celia , an extraordinary new private dining and events carriage imagined and designed by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann , together with Oscar-winning costume and production designer, Catherine Martin . Photo credits: British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England Set within an original 1932 Pullman carriage, Celia features its own cocktail bar, lounge, dining and entertainment area,

Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta is delighted to present a graceful Lunar New Year celebration, welcoming the Year of the Horse with meaningful traditions, exceptional culinary presentations, and cultural refinement. Photo credits: Mulia Senayan, Jakarta This Lunar New Year, the hotel presents an array of curated offerings, including luxurious festive hampers, the symbolic sweetness of Nian Gao, and the auspicious Yee Sang salad. Highlights of the celebrations include a captivat

As we step into the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing bold spirit, dynamic energy, and unwavering willpower, Grand Hyatt Bali , a beachfront family-friendly resort in Nusa Dua, celebrates this Chinese New Year with extraordinary experiences that embrace sustainability while delighting families with festive offerings. Photo credits: Grand Hyatt Bali With many exclusive offers , family-friendly facilities, distinctive experiences , the tranquil sanctuary of Kriya Spa , a dive