Hotel and Restaurant Magazine March 2026

From the circular mandates of UN Tourism to Capella’s milestone excellence, our second issue charts the trajectory of global hospitality. We explore the “Bad Bunny Effect,” sustainable farming initiatives, and the bespoke luxuries defining the 2026 season. In an era of rapid evolution, true prestige remains rooted in innovation and consistent, understated authority.

08 PATINA MALDIVES WELCOME RESIDENT ARTIST

Multidisciplinary artist Shezad Dawood’s art residency unfolds at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

22 THE BAD BUNNY EFFECT

Journey Through the Music That Shapes the Americas with Original Travel

30 ESCAPE THE RAIN THIS SPRING

Head to a Sandals or Beaches Resort in the Caribbean this April

40 JA RESORT & HOTELS MOTHER’S DAY PROGRAMMES

This Mother’s Day, JA Resorts & Hotels presents a collection of experience-led celebrations

52 BLACKPOOL RESTAURANT WEEK SET TO RETURN IN MARCH

In March, Blackpool Restaurant Week is set to return with more venues across the town

61 WEEKEND ELEGANCE AT LEX YARD

Waldorf Astoria New York introduces a refined, ingredientdriven brunch service in Midtown Manhattan.

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EDITOReditor@hotelrestaurantmagazine.co.uk

RIU OPENS RIU PALACE SWAHILI

Its first Elite Club hotel in Zanzibar

RIU Hotels & Resorts has just opened its new jewel in the Indian Ocean: Riu Palace Swahili. Located in the premier area of Nungwi, in the north of Zanzibar, this 5-star hotel becomes the chain’s third hotel in Tanzania. The Adults Only hotel marks two significant milestones for the company in this region, taking standards of luxury and fun to another level: the introduction of the exclusive Elite Club service and the anticipated opening event of RIU Party, which will be held each week at Riu Jambo following this opening.

Riu Palace Swahili has a total of 505 rooms that stand out for their modern and elegant style. They have all been designed to offer the utmost comfort, with all the amenities needed to guarantee a premium stay in line with the standards of the Riu Palace range.

RIU’s exclusive Elite Club service takes the chain’s luxury offering in the region even higher. This area has a total of 76 rooms, of which 52 have a private swimming pool and 24 enjoy the best sea views. Elite Club guests enjoy premium benefits including the Elite Club Restaurant, their own reserved area on the beach with Balinese beds, a drinks service and access to the Elite Club Lounge with branded drinks, as well as a separate check-in area and aromatherapy items in their room.

With the opening of Riu Palace Swahili, RIU introduces RIU Party in Tanzania, accessible for guests from the chain’s three hotels on the island. These celebrations will take place every Friday at Riu Jambo.

In line with the standards of the Riu Palace range, the hotel offers the renowned 24-hour All Inclusive service. This fine culinary experience is one of the pillars of this new hotel, designed for guests to enjoy the environment while dining thanks to its extensive terraces. The resort has the main Karibu restaurant, as well as specialty restaurants: the sophisticated Krystal for fusion cuisine, the Italian Duomo, the Mediterranean Helios and a classic Steakhouse. The offer is topped off with Pepe’s Food fast-food kiosk.

The hotel also has six bars with different concepts: the Lounge Bar, the Daiquiri bar, the Masai Plaza bar, the Konyagi pool bar, the aquatic Madafu and the cake/ice cream shop Capuchino.

The hotel also has two impressive infinity pools, visually designed to merge with the turquoise waters of Nungwi.

Riu Palace Swahili offers a full daytime activity programme and evening shows with live music every day. Those who love well-being have Renova Spa, with a relaxing swimming pool, steam bath and a wide array of treatments. Thanks to its location, guests can also access water sports at neighbouring Riu Jambo, such as kayaking or stand-up paddle surf, guaranteeing a fully active experience during their stay.

With this new opening, RIU Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its commitment to Zanzibar, where the chain has been present since 2018 and where it now boasts three hotels: Riu Palace Swahili, Riu Palace Zanzibar and Riu Jambo. RIU has added to its complementary and quality offer in the Nungwi area, consolidating its presence in one of its most powerful and attractive destinations on the African continent.

For further information please visit: www.riu.com

AN EXCLUSIVE COFFEE AND MATCHA POP-UP IN BALI’S HIGHLANDS

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana welcomes Kyoto’s iconic coffee brand, Kurasu

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana has unveiled a coffee and matcha pop-up collaboration with Kyoto’s cult coffee brand, Kurasu, reflecting a shared philosophy rooted in craftsmanship, mindful rituals, and the quiet art of slowing down. Nestled among the lush, undulating hills of Bali’s culture-rich highlands, the resort continues to cultivate a sense of timeless luxury, grounded in tradition, history, and immersive experiences.

Available to guests until 8 May 2026, the limited-time pop-up collaboration showcases the distinct cultural expressions of mindfulness and artistry that can coexist seamlessly. Once the private estate of the late Mr. Hendra Hadiprana — one of Indonesia’s most revered architects and art patrons

— Tanah Gajah has long preserved and shared Indonesian arts and culture through meticulously selected authentic experiences; meanwhile, Kurasu introduces Kyoto’s coffee heritage to the world, highlighting its craftsmanship, sustainability and quality. Together, they invite guests to embrace moments that invigorate the senses.

For coffee aficionados, the menu spotlights Kurasu’s signature Natsu Ake Blend – a medium roast of beans sourced from Ethiopia, Guatemala, Burundi, and Kenya. This blend is known for its floral aroma and nuanced taste, with notes of grape, blackberry, citrus, and a warm, caramel-like sweetness that lingers on the finish. Guests can also enjoy a selection of

high-quality hand-drip brews and a rotating ‘coffee of the day’.

Alongside the coffee, the experiences extend into matcha, presented through a considered selection of artisanal creations. Highlights include the pop-up exclusive Matcha Kinako, combining ceremonial grade-matcha with nutty kinako cream, finished with soft, chewy dango; while the Coconut Matcha Cloud blends fresh coconut water with a light ceremonial matcha cream for a refreshing, balanced finish. Guests can also indulge in artisanal matcha options such as the Kurasu Ceremonial Blend Usucha; Kurasu Ceremonial Blend Matcha Latte; and Kurasu Ceremonial Blend Matcha Latte Espresso.

The pop-up experience unfolds within spaces imbued with a rich history, from the Panen Padi Lounge to one of Mr. Hadiprana’s most cherished spaces, the Yoga Pavilions – where a five-course tea omakase invites guests into a contemplative experience set where Tanah Gajah’s founder spent mornings in quiet contemplation as the sun rose over the landscape. Seated on tatami-inspired Japanese furnishing, guests can indulge in a meditative Japanese tea ceremony while showcasing tea blends such as Hikari Sencha; Usucha; Ceremonial Matcha Latte; and Hojicha.

Born from a shared philosophy of slowing down, noticing the details, and being fully present, the Ubud collaboration deepens the dialogue by inviting guests to experience the harmonious convergence of two rich traditions through artistry, mindfulness, and the simple pleasure of a delicately prepared cup of coffee or tea.

The collaboration also marks a meaningful full-circle moment in Tanah Gajah’s story, connecting deeply with Mr. Hadiprana’s very first architectural project – transforming a private garden in bustling Jakarta into Japanese zen garden. It was this project that not only shaped Hendra Hadiprana’s design signature of holistically approaching global perspectives that transcend borders and disciplines, but also saw the start of the Hadiprana design philosophy that continues to flourish throughout the generations. Today, the Kurasu experience at Tanah Gajah pays homage to the bridging of cultures and philosophies that ignited Hadiprana’s career and honours the legacy of craft, mindfulness and the power of contemplative spaces.

Originally conceived by Mr. Hendra Hadiprana during his honeymoon in the 1960s, Tanah Gajah Ubud showcases a serene and immersive resort experience, with expansive landscapes that allow guests to reconnect with nature. Comprising 24 villas and suites, the resort maintains a deep connection to local arts, heritage, and tradition. Building on this legacy, the resort invites guests to connect with the island in a more meaningful way through its signature ‘The Art Of...’ journeys – tailored experiences that celebrate Bali’s rich cultural heritage, personal restoration, and crafted meaningful connections with loved ones. From restorative wellness stays infused with traditional healing practices and romantic retreats filled with gastronomic delights, to exploring the island’s cultural treasures – each experience is designed to help guests fully immerse themselves in the beauty and spirit of Bali.

PATINA MALDIVES WELCOME

RESIDENT ARTIST

Multidisciplinary artist Shezad Dawood’s art residency unfolds at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

From 31 March to 21 April 2026, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will welcome artist Shezad Dawood to its shores for the inaugural Patina Art Residency. This newly launched annual project from Patina Hotels & Resorts celebrates artists who reflect a commitment to impact and sustainability.

Named as the Patina Resident Artist in 2025, Dawood will spend three weeks living and working on the island, developing new work inspired by the Maldivian environment reflecting the theme of this year’s programme, Fluid Worlds, that will become part of the resort’s permanent art collection.

The Patina Art Residency brings together art, hospitality and environmental stewardship, offering time and space to inspire impactful creations in meaningful ways.

Dawood’s work during this year’s stage will examine how boundaries shift and change, whether between cultures, ideas, or elements. For an artist who has spent the past decade talking to and being influenced by marine biologists and environmentalists, Patina Maldives offers a particularly resonant backdrop: during his stay, he will undertake extended ‘field work’, learning more about endangered reef systems and building relationships with local coral researchers and communities, while exploring artistic practices, responding to a mixture of conversations and visceral stimuli.

As Dawood comments: “I’m delighted to be beginning my residency at Patina Maldives. The opportunity to spend time in this environment, and to work alongside researchers and local communities, feels both generous and rare. I’m looking forward to letting the rhythms of the island, the conversations that unfold, and the on-site materials shape the work as it develops.”

Born in London in 1974, Dawood trained at Central St Martin’s and the Royal College of Art before undertaking a PhD at Leeds Metropolitan University. A multidisciplinary artist who interweaves

stories, realities and symbolism to create richly layered artworks, Dawood is fascinated by ecologies and architecture. His work takes a philosophical approach, asking questions and exploring alternative futures through what he describes as ‘world-building’. Selected solo exhibitions and commissions include: A Garden of the Floating World, Jhaveri Contemporary, Mumbai (2025); Leviathan, Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury (2023); Night in the Garden of Love, Inspired by & featuring Yusef Lateef, Aga Khan Museum, Toronto (2023) and WIELS, Brussels (2023); Integrations, Barakat Contemporary, Seoul (2023); and HMS Alice Liddell, St Pancras Wires commission, London (2022).

Designed by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the resort houses a respected permanent art collection, including the Skyspace Amarta by James Turrell, and offers guests wellness journeys, music programmes and culinary experiences alongside the Fari Islands’ vibrant community.

The Patina Art Residency invites leading galleries to nominate existing works by artists that speak to a chosen theme relating to impact and sustainability. One artist is selected each year by an independent panel of judges, including some of the world’s foremost art patrons and leaders, to undertake a specialised residency at a Patina destination, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to art as a way of connection, reflection and change. The Patina Art Residency will return in 2026, with the selected artist being awarded a residency in Patina Osaka in 2027.

Further information on the Patina Art Residency and Shezad Dawood’s residency can be found at patinahotels.com/our-brand/patinaart-residency.

To book, please visit patinahotels.com/maldives/reservehub

RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX PURSUES ITS COMMITMENTS

Relais & Châteaux pursues its commitments in harmony with all life on earth, with four new projects in partnership with UNESCO

In line with its commitment to sustainability, Relais & Châteaux is pleased to announce four joint initiatives with UNESCO, spanning multiple continents and promoting sustainable hospitality and culinary practices in harmony with all life on earth.

This milestone builds on the strategic partnership established in 2024 between Relais & Châteaux and

UNESCO. The projects bring together world-renowned chefs and UNESCO-designated sites and conventions, including Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage Sites, Global Geoparks and Intangible Cultural Heritage. Each of the four Relais & Châteaux properties (FYN Restaurant, Maison Pic, Eleven Madison Park and L’Effervescence) work to deepen their engagement in biodiversity and climate action, supporting local communities and mobilising broad audiences to adopt sustainable practices and behaviors, in line with the 12 commitments of Relais & Châteaux and UNESCO’s mandate.

The projects are guided by UNESCO’s expertise in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and preserving biodiversity. Each property commits to at least one sustainability action under each of the following pillars:

• Respect all life on earth and minimize their impact on nature

• Preserve and pass on local knowledge and practices

• Strive for excellence and solidarity to inspire change locally and internationally

At the origin of this initiative is Mauro Colagreco, Vice President, Chefs, of Relais & Châteaux and Chef owner of the restaurant Mirazur in Menton. Appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity in 2022, Mauro Colagreco has infused his culinary creations with environmental awareness, making it the guiding compass of his work. His restaurant Mirazur became the first restaurant in the world to be certified plastic free and was also the first three-star restaurant to receive the B-Corp label.

“As UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, I have spent the past three years championing biodiversity and inspiring as many people as possible to join this collective mission. In my role as Vice President of Chefs at Relais & Châteaux, I am honoured to work with an extraordinary network of chefs from over 800 restaurants across 580 properties in 65 countries to shape the future of gastronomy and its vital connection to nature. I believe cuisine has the power to transform the world. It is not just about creating flavours, but about living together— sharing time, cooking side by side, and creating meaningful moments. It is about shaping memories, passing down recipes, as well as knowledge and savoir-faire from one generation to

the next. Above all, it is about re-imagining food systems to nurture life and harmony. This vision comes to life through these four pilot projects –from indigenous species stewardship in Africa and sustainable fishing in Asia to the preservation of culinary savoir-faire in Europe and communitycentered food education in North America – each demonstrating how gastronomy can actively protect ecosystems,” shares Mauro Colagreco, Vice President, Chefs of Relais & Châteaux and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity. “These four projects mark the first tangible expression of our partnership with UNESCO. By honouring indigenous and forgotten ingredients, preserving cultural heritage and savoir-faire, promoting food education, and advocating sustainable sourcing, these highly recognized Relais & Châteaux chefs embody our commitments for a sustainability in harmony with all life on Earth”, declares Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais &

Châteaux.

“These projects show how gastronomy can become a force with and for people—protecting biodiversity, keeping cultural heritage alive, and shaping more sustainable ways of living. By working with Relais & Châteaux and its properties, UNESCO is helping turn respect for all life on Earth into concrete action, rooted in local communities’ know-how and shared globally,” said Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO.

Spread across four continents, these projects focus on key concrete action plans, to protect:

Indigenous species and lost ingredients

Relais & Châteaux FYN Restaurant, South Africa x Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and Cape Floral Region

Protected Areas UNESCO World Heritage Site

Chef Peter Tempelhoff integrates

ingredients directly sourced from within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and Cape Floral Region Protected Areas UNESCO World Heritage Site, focusing on indigenous species. Supporting biodiversity, he cultivates these species on FYN’s farms and raises awareness of their ecological importance— discouraging illegal foraging.

Intangible cultural heritage and savoir-faire

Relais & Châteaux Maison Pic, France x UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Chef Anne-Sophie Pic sources most of the plant-based elements of her work from her local terroir - the Drôme and Ardèche - two departments known for organic agriculture. With this in mind, she is partnering with UNESCO to help promote this heritage. In the long term, this initiative could pave the way for the creation of a new UNESCO designation in the region. At the heart of this ambition is the Auberge du Pin - the house of her great-grandmother and the cradle of her family heritage, which has been undergoing a gradual rehabilitation since 2003, beginning with the conversion of her grandfather André Pic’s vineyards to biodynamic farming. Anne-Sophie Pic will continue exploring the infinite potential of the living world, strengthening the links between agricultural biodiversity and wild biodiversity, notably through the reintroduction and promotion of ancient plant varieties.

Food education and community support

Relais & Châteaux Eleven Madison Park, NY, USA x Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Reserve

Chef Daniel Humm sources ingredients from the Champlain–Adirondack Biosphere Reserve in collaboration with Indigenous and local producers. He is launching the “Food Futures Lab”, co-created with the Champlain–Adirondack Biosphere Reserve and other local stakeholders,

to foster education and innovation in biodiversity and plant-based culinary arts. Documenting and sharing local knowledge through a co-authored case study on the Champlain–Adirondack Biosphere Reserve, he highlights community learning and project outcomes for global dissemination.

Sustainable practices regarding fishing and sourcing

Relais & Châteaux L’Effervescence, Japan x UNESCO World Heritage Site: Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island

Chef Shinobu Namae is building a network of stakeholders to demonstrate how selective, lowimpact fishing methods - such as free-dive spear fishing, which allows fishers to directly observe underwater ecosystems while harvestingcombined with active conservation efforts like seaweed bed regeneration, can help restore ecosystems and

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protect biodiversity. Through direct collaboration with fishers, local communities, and UNESCO World Heritage site managers in Amami-Oshima Island, the initiative documents sustainable fishing practices and traditional know-how regarding fishing as living forms of stewardship. By consciously sourcing from fishers who not only harvest fish but also take action to regenerate the habitats that sustain them, L’Effervescence supports a model of human engagement through fishing that actively sustains marine ecosystems. By sharing these insights, Chef Namae educates guests and partners that the regeneration of underwater forests is as essential as the restoration of forests on land.

These four long term initiatives mark an important first step in the shared mission of Relais & Châteaux and UNESCO to advance sustainable hospitality worldwide. www.relaischateaux.com

MEDINA FOODSERVICE TO SHOWCASE LATEST FOOD AND TRENDS

More than 100 local and national food businesses are expected to attend

On the 5th March 2026, the annual Medina Foodservice Food Show, took place at Tapnell Farm.

Caterers from across the Isle of Wight will be able to talk to a range of brands about what’s new in food and drink, as well as sampling new and exciting products that will feature on menus across the island this summer and beyond.

The long-standing event, which has run for more than ten years, sees local suppliers including Calbourne Classics, The Homemade Brownie Company and the Isle of Wight Ice Cream Company joined by iconic British brands including Burts Crisps, Proper Cornish and Pip Organic to showcase their produce to the island’s food businesses. They will be joined by Medina chefs who will be preparing a variety of dishes for customers to sample, showcasing the breadth of its range.

As the only foodservice wholesaler based on the Isle of Wight, Medina is ideally placed to understand the challenges and opportunities facing local food businesses. However, while the business is locally focused, it is backed by the world’s largest foodservice supplier, Sysco, which gives it a unique perspective on local knowledge and global trends.

Neil Williams, Medina Foodservice Managing Director, said: “There is a passionate and knowledgeable food community on the Isle of Wight, and it is great to be able to highlight how global foods might impact local businesses. The unique operating environment we have here means that as a specialist, island-focused business, we can really add value to our customers, and this is a good example of how we do that.”

Medina Foodservice has been servicing food businesses across the Isle of Wight for more than 75 years and is the only foodservice wholesaler based on the island.

To register interest for this year’s show please visit: www.order.medinafoodservice.com

HEARTWOOD INNS LAUNCHES NEW “REASONS TO VISIT”

Bringing community, good food & fun to your local

Award-winning Heartwood Inns has announced the launch of its new “Reasons to Visit” campaign, designed to bring communities together and make every day a reason to visit your local pub.

Launching Monday 16th February, each day of the week will feature a different core moment, combining sustainably sourced seasonal food, drinks, entertainment, and community spirit across every one of Heartwood’s 35 locations across the UK.

Highlights of the Week:

Monday - Hub in the Pub: A community-focused evening connecting key local groups and charities.

Tuesday - Quiz & Games Night: Trivia, games, and delicious snack boards make Tuesdays fun for friends, families, and colleagues alike.

Wednesday - Steak & Wine Night: Midweek indulgence with 2 steaks and a glass of wine, and optional sides and drinks for an upgraded experience.

Thursday - Extended Happy Hour: An extension of Heartwood’s usual Happy hour offer (Sun-Mon 5-7pm), which guests can now enjoy from 5-8pm on Thursdays.

Friday - Live at the Local: Live music, comedy, and entertainment to kick off the weekend, guests can

head to individual websites for more detail on the line ups.

Sunday - All Day Roasts:

Heartwood invites guests to gather for Sunday roasts from 11:30am-8pm, complete with bottomless Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and gravy.

Heartwood, known for its warm, genuine hospitality and commitment to serving fresh, seasonal food, recently launched their ‘Treats’ app, which aims to build a stronger, more rewarding relationship with its guests, much like this new initiative to offer guests a reason to visit their local every single day.

Sister brand, Brasserie Blanc will be launching a parallel scheme to honour their own “Reasons to Visit”, with a French theme.

Heartwood Collection’s CEO, Richard Ferrier said: “Heartwood Inns has always been about more than just food and drink. With our new ‘Reasons to Visit,’ initiatives we’re creating spaces for community, connection, and celebration at our pubs. From quiz nights to Sunday roasts, it’s all about celebrating those core memories that many of us resonate with at our locals, alongside our usual outstanding offering.”

For more information, visit heartwoodinns.com.

JA MANAFARU NAMED RECOMMENDED HOTEL

The

hotel was recommended in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Star Award

Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships, today announced its 2026 Star Awards. JA Manafaru earned a new Forbes Travel Guide Recommended award and is showcased with other honourees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.

Located in the northernmost reaches of the Maldives, JA Manafaru creates a deeply immersive island escape within the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll. Rooted in nature, culture and true Maldivian hospitality, the private natural island retreat invites guests to slow down and reconnect through meaningful and personal experiences.

“We are pleased to see JA Manafaru recognised by Forbes Travel Guide for 2026. This acknowledgement reflects the consistency and care with which our team delivers warm, real and fresh hospitality, rooted in a strong sense of place. It is a meaningful recognition for the resort and a credit to the people on the island who bring this experience to life every day.” Says Ralph Porciani, CEO of JA Resorts & Hotels.

“Our team takes great pride in sharing local traditions, cuisine and everyday island life with our guests, alongside the space and privacy the destination is known for. To be recognised by Forbes Travel Guide is a wonderful affirmation of this approach and of the passion of our team.”

Says Roberto Garrone, General Manager JA Manafaru.

Activities range from snorkelling directly from the reef, diving with manta rays and exploring nearby islands, to kayaking, paddle boarding and castaway island picnics. On land, guests can enjoy guided nature trails, Maldivian cooking classes, wellness rituals at the Calm Spa and yoga or fitness sessions. Thoughtful dining moments from relaxed beach front grills to intimate cellar dinners with curated wine pairings complete a stay that reflects JA Resorts & Hotels’ commitment to a 45-year legacy of destination-led experiences.

Forbes Travel Guide’s highly anticipated 68th annual Star Awards list covers more than 95 countries.

“Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality,” said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes

CHIVA-SOM 2026 – THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

A year-long residency of holistic wellbeing rooted in the heritage of Thai healing

Reaffirming its dedication to Thailand’s cultural and healing heritage, Chiva-Som Hua Hin enters 2026 with a well-being concept rooted in Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) as its guiding wellness philosophy for the coming year.

With a history spanning more than 2,500 years, Traditional Thai Medicine is a holistic healing system centred on harmony between the body, mind, and environment. It has been embedded in Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s offering since the resort’s inception and remains fundamental to its integrative approach to balancing physical, mental, and emotional health. Time-honoured treatments - including therapeutic bodywork, movement disciplines, and herbal remedies - are delivered by the resort’s experienced certified TTM practitioner, drawing on the indigenous wisdom for which the country is renowned.

TTM’s deep attunement to nature’s rhythms and seasonal shifts is reflected in Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s operational ethos, which is born of the belief that personal wellness and the well-being of the planet go hand in hand. Since opening in 1995, the resort has been globally acclaimed for setting new standards not only in integrative health and personalised wellness, but also for championing responsible practices that respect individual and social well-being and the natural environment.

“Traditional Thai Medicine is a key part of Chiva-Som Hua Hin’s core philosophy upon which our approach to holistic health has been built for more than three decades,” says Vaipanya Kongkwanyuen, General Manager of Chiva-Som Hua Hin. “As we welcome 2026, we honour this ancient wisdom not only through therapeutic practices, but by inviting guests to reconnect with nature, rhythm, and Continued page 18

balance in everyday life. By integrating time-honoured Thai healing traditions with modern wellness, we continue our commitment to nurturing mindfulness and sustainable well-being practices for long-term vitality and well-being, for both people and the planet.”

Influenced by Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, yet distinctly Thai in its emphasis on seasonal rhythms, environmental influences, and natural remedies, TTM continues to be practiced today, seamlessly integrated into Thailand’s modern healthcare and wellness landscapes. At its core is the concept of the Four Elements (Dhatu) - Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire - which influence individual constitution, health, and emotional balance. When these elements are in equilibrium, vitality and well-being naturally follow.

Throughout 2026, Chiva-Som Hua Hin will spotlight one element each quarter, shaping wellness themes that guide treatments, group activities, movement, nutrition, and cultural experiences. Guests will also be invited to complimentary bi-weekly sessions, Thai Wisdom for Element Balance, guided by Chananchida Banyeam, Senior TTM Practitioner and Holistic Therapist, exploring how elemental balance can be applied across spa therapies, fitness, nutrition, daily habits, rest, and lifestyle. Throughout the year guests may also explore TTM treatments, including Thai Massage and the Traditional Thai Herbal Joint Poultice, where warmed herbal compresses ease joint tension, stimulate circulation, and support elemental balance using time-honoured Thai remedies.

From the top left: Neuromuscular Exercise; Chi Nei Tsang; H2O Body Complex; Thai Boxing

Fire (Dhatu Fai) – January to March 2026

The year began with Fire (Dhatu Fai), the element of transformation. Fire is responsible for warmth, digestion, metabolism, and emotional intensity. It enables the body to convert food

and experiences into energy. When balanced, Fire supports strong digestion, steady energy, and emotional clarity. When excessive or depleted, it may manifest as inflammation, fatigue, irritability, digestive discomfort, or burnout.

During Q1, Chiva-Som’s offerings are designed to gently activate and harmonise the Fire element, supporting metabolic vitality and renewal.

January: Awakening Inner Fire

The opening month focuses on gently activating metabolic energy and inner vitality. Guests are invited to experience Metabolic Breathing, a complimentary diaphragmatic breathing practice designed to increase oxygen intake and boost metabolic rate, supporting sustained energy and vitality. Energy Awakening sessions, offered as complimentary group experiences or personalised one-on-one sessions with charge, use rhythmic breathing to de-stress the body, encourage cellular cleansing, and guide participants into a deep meditative state. A Fire-inspired cultural ritual, Floating Flower with Candle, symbolises light, creativity, and renewal, with fresh flowers and softly glowing candles arranged in water as a mindful expression of inner warmth.

February: Strengthening & Circulation

February’s programme channels Fire into movement, circulation, and physical strength. An energising Beach Power Walk along Hua Hin’s shoreline combines cardiovascular

conditioning with lower body toning and core activation. The Crystal Massage & Quantum Healing –Hot Basalt Back Ritual harnesses the Fire element through heated basalt crystals gliding along energy channels to release tension, enhance circulation, and awaken inner radiance. Complementing this is the Total Body Instability Exercise, a dynamic complimentary workout using an instability mat that mimics aquatic movement on land to promote strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

March: Activation & Flow

March brings Fire into fluid motion and energetic flow. Complimentary Aqua Box classes combine boxing techniques with water resistance to deliver a high-energy aquatic workout that enhances cardiovascular endurance, coordination, and core stability. Vacuum Cupping (TCM), offered with charge, integrates warmth and gentle suction to stimulate circulation, release stagnation, and restore the body’s natural energy flow. Guests can also participate in a complimentary Neuromuscular Exercise Programme focused on improving central nervous system function and muscular control. The month concludes with the Floating Flower with Candle experience.

This quarter, guests are also invited to attend a complimentary talk class, Balance Inner Fire. This educational session explores the Fire element in Traditional Thai Medicine and its influence on emotions, motivation, digestion, and metabolism, while offering practical food and lifestyle guidance to help restore harmony and vitality.

The three daily complimentary wellness cuisine meals that are included in every stay further support the Fire element for guests wishing to immerse themselves more deeply in this philosophy. Menus emphasise baked, grilled, roasted, and fresh salad preparations, featuring fresh,

sour, and gently spicy flavour dishes to encourage digestion and metabolic vitality. Highlights include Satay Tofu Skewers with curried almond sauce and cucumber relish, and Nam Tok with a grilled selection of protein, dressed with spicy tamarind sauce. Cooling Rosella Tea supports circulation and balance, while a Bitter Gourd Shot aids metabolism and digestive balance.

From April to June, the focus will be on the element of Wind, which governs movement and communication within the body. This includes the breath, the circulation of energy, and nervous system activity. Wind is closely linked to mental clarity, adaptability, and emotional responsiveness.

From July to September, the element of Water will be explored through a series of activations. Water embodies all bodily fluids responsible for nourishment, lubrication, and circulation, supporting hydration, cooling, and the smooth functioning of organs and tissues.

The year will conclude with the element of Earth from October to December. Earth represents the solid structures of the body that provide form, strength, and stability. It governs physical mass, resilience, and the body’s ability to support movement and posture.

Guests booking in advance benefit from special rates valid for stays throughout 2026:

• Save 20% on retreat bookings made at least 120 days in advance with a minimum three-night stay

• Save 15% on retreat bookings made 90 to 119 days in advance with a minimum five-night stay.

Rates start from THB 24,000++ (approx. GBP 565) per person, per night in an Ocean Room Double on full board with a raft of wellness inclusions.

Please visit www.chivasom.com/en/ chiva-som-hua-hin/offer/early-birdoffer25 for further information and to book or book via preferred travel partners.

CAPELLA SINGAPORE MARKS 14 CONSECUTIVE YEARS AT FIVE-STAR LEVEL

Capella Shanghai joins Five-Star portfolio as Forbes Travel Guide unveils 2026 ratings

Forbes Travel Guide, the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships, today announced its 2026 Star Awards, with six properties under Capella Hotel Group recognised at the highest Five-Star level.

Capella Shanghai earned an elevated Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award and is showcased with other honourees on ForbesTravelGuide.com

The heritage shikumen hotel now joins Capella Singapore, Bangkok, and Hanoi as well as Patina Maldives, Fari Islands as Five-Star properties.

Capella at Galaxy Macau, the brand’s newest addition which opened on 10 February, also earned a FiveStar rating in its debut recognition, marking an exceptional achievement for a pre-opening property. Located within Galaxy Macau’s integrated resort, the property brings Capella’s signature approach to cultural curation and personalised service to one of Asia’s most dynamic entertainment destinations.

Across the portfolio, all previously rated properties, spas and restaurants retained their rankings: Capella Sydney and Capella Ubud held Four-Star ratings while Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore and Auriga Wellness at Capella Bangkok maintained Five-Star ratings. Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire at Capella Shanghai continued its Four-Star restaurant rating.

“Capella Shanghai’s elevation reflects the unseen artistry when visionary curation of culture meets operational discipline,” said Clive Edwards, Senior Vice President, Operations, Capella Hotel Group. “From Singapore’s

14-year legacy to Shanghai’s progression to Macau’s debut, our properties demonstrate that deep cultural immersion strengthens service excellence, validating our approach as we expand further with Patina Tianjin and Capella Nanjing in 2026, each rooted in their distinct cultural contexts.”

Forbes Travel Guide’s highly anticipated 68th annual Star Awards list covers more than 95 countries.

“Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality,” said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognise their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today’s discerning guest.”

Forbes Travel Guide’s annual Star Awards recognise hospitality properties based on up to 900 objective standards, with anonymous inspections evaluating service quality, facility excellence, and the overall guest experience.

THE BAD BUNNY EFFECT

Journey Through the Music That Shapes the Americas with Original Travel

Fresh from the Super Bowl half-time show, where Puerto-Rican rapper Bad Bunny turned one of the world’s biggest stages into a celebration of Latin rhythm and culture, the music of the Americas has never felt more influential.

Tailor-made tour operator, Original Travel has long recognised music as one of the most compelling lenses through which to experience a destination. Just as they curate bespoke journeys for set-jetters visiting iconic filming locations and for ‘fictioneers’ retracing the settings of their favourite novels, they also design immersive itineraries shaped by sound - connecting travellers to the rhythms, stories and cultural movements that define a place.

Original Travel recognises that appetite for culturally-driven travel continues to grow. Recent research shows that 63% of travellers have been inspired by a particular artist or genre to visit a destination, while 42% are drawn to places referenced in popular lyrics. With global music tourism projected to reach USD 330.12 billion by 2033 - growing at a compound annual rate of 15.6% - it is clear that rhythm, storytelling and creative heritage are increasingly shaping how and where people travel.

For Original Travel, this is not a passing trend but an evolution of what they already do best: crafting highly personalised journeys rooted in culture and narrative.

Across the Americas, they invite travellers to experience destinations not only through their landscapes and landmarks, but through the music that defines their identity. From the birthplace of jazz in New Orleans to the samba-filled spectacle of Rio de Janeiro, and the pulse of salsa and reggaetón across Colombia, each itinerary is guided by local insiders, musicians and cultural historians who bring these traditions to life.

Their curated journeys immerse travellers in the creative spirit of communities across the continent - whether that’s behind-the-scenes access to legendary music venues, private encounters with artists, or time spent in the neighbourhoods where genres were born.

From jazz and blues to country, folk, samba, tango and reggaetón, every Original Travel itinerary is designed to connect travellers to the cultural heartbeat of a place - ensuring the experience resonates long after the final note fades.

Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk

A Musical Journey Through Jamaica

Bob Marley. Island Records. Reggae. Jamaica has a musical heritage like few other places. Learn about the island’s reggae roots, stay in three immaculate properties and soak up the sun in one of the Caribbean’s most under-rated destinations.

Starting from £2780pp for an 8 day trip, based on two people. Price includes return flights, private transfers and accommodation.

Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk

Rio Carnival

Brazil’s pure vivacity and iconic natural landmarks are a heady combination and there’s no better time to visit than during Carnival. This 11-day itinerary whisks you away to Rio de Janeiro’s wildest and most flamboyant party, before taking in the mighty Iguacu Falls and the beaches of Buzios.

Starting from £5285pp for a 13 day trip, based on two people. Price includes return flights, private transfers and accommodation.

Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk

Colombia Highlights

Colombia’s trendy cities and diverse landscapes hold immeasurable treasure, most of which still feels undiscovered. This 14-day itinerary uncovers the

country’s highlights in ultimate style. Salsa dance in the metropolis of Bogota, the leafy coffee region, cool Cartagena with its salsa and champeta (a Colombian music and dance tradition) and the wild beauty of Tayrona National Park.

Starting from £3760pp for 14 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, private transfers, overland travel, private guided tours and accommodation.

Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk

Jazz Clubs, Bayous and Cajun Cuisine - A Classic Louisiana Road Trip

Lulled by jazz, blues and the flavours of classic Cajun cuisine, this ten-day adventure is all about diving into the heart of old Louisiana.

Kick off your getaway in legendary New Orleans – you’ll be tapping your feet to jazz music in iconic haunts, swaying to gospel in a local church and touring the French Quarter with a local guide in no time. The second chapter of this journey takes you away from the city and into the heart of Cajun Country. Explore colonial cotton plantations, stately homes perched on the Mississippi River, and bayous – beautiful creeks and marshes characteristic of the American South.

Starting from £2430pp for 10 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, car hire, private transfers, private guided tours and accommodation.

Country, Soul and Rock’n’Roll

Deep South Road Trip

On this two-week road trip, get to know the Deep South’s most iconic cities: Nashville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and New Orleans. Along the way, discover vibrant cultures, fascinating history, sweet Southern landscapes and the legendary musical roots of the Deep South. Your adventure begins in Nashville, where a country concert at the Grand Ole Opry will have you tapping your toes. Head onwards to Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile to learn about the Civil Rights movement, taste delightful food and dive into the lively evening scenes. Finally, finish in New Orleans with a jazz river cruise and a walking tour of the historic French Quarter. One thing’s for sure: you’ll return home with a new-found appreciation for the southern states (and a shiny new playlist, of course).

Starting from £3510pp for 13 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, car hire, private guided tours and accommodation.

Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk

An Argentine Family Holiday

Tango dance your way through Argentina on this fun-filled family adventure. Let your mind be boggled at Buenos Aires as you meander its historic and colourful neighbourhoods and experience football games like you’ve never seen them before. Don cowboy hats and live like gauchos on a family ranch in the Pampas, strap on walking boots in Bariloche – the Argentinian equivalent of the Lake District - for a truly epic game of ‘I Spy’, and experience the magic of Isla Victoria, which inspired the young Walt Disney’s Bambi in 1941. While riding is encouraged in this neck of the woods, feel free to swap your saddle for wheels if the family have a need for speed across undulating mountain trails. And finally, make sure (once the

children are asleep) to pop open a bottle of authentic Argentinian Malbec just as the sun disappears behind the Buenos Aires’ skyline or the rolling plains of the Pampas.

Starting from £5100pp for 13 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, private transfers, overland travel, and accommodation.

Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk

Musical Moments, Southern Food & the Great Smoky Mountains Family Road Trip through the Deep South

Cajun cuisine, the blues, jazz, swamps, alligators, ‘the King’ and the Great Smoky Mountains. Where else but the American Deep South? Discover iconic Southern American culture on this two-week tour of New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and beyond.

Kick off your family road trip in New Orleans and fuel up on the city’s finest cuisine, from flavourful gumbo to deep-fried beignets. Learn about its legendary jazz venues, then hit the open road bound for Natchez, Mississippi, before continuing to Memphis, Tennessee - another hub of musical discovery. In Nashville, your culinary education continues on Main Street, where you’ll find the ultimate fried chicken (along with the Country Music Hall of Fame). Then, onward to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for hikes through dramatic scenery. Wrap up your trip in Atlanta and delve into American Civil War history before your flight home.

Starting from £4635pp for 14 days, based on two people.

Price includes return flights, private transfers, car hire and accommodation.

Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk

Jazz, Rhythm and Blues USA’s Deep South by Train

Dive into the Deep South on this 15-day journey through the USA’s musical states. Starting in Chicago and journeying by train through Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville, you’re in for a treat as you explore the rich musical heritage and cultures that make these cities legendary.

Your adventure begins in Chicago with a visit to one of the city’s most famous jazz venues, Andy’s Jazz Club. After exploring the city, hop on the overnight train to Memphis, where a tour of Elvis Presley’s home awaits. Next, take the train to New Orleans and enjoy a French Quarter walking tour, a trip to the Sazerac House and a harbour jazz cruise. Finally, finish your trip in Nashville with an exciting evening at the legendary Grand Ole Opry.

Starting from £2600pp for 15 days, based on two people. Price includes return flights, overland travel, and accommodation.

Original Travel, 020 3582 4990, www.originaltravel.co.uk

SUPY TRIPLES REVENUES IN 2025

AI-powered software group for restaurants reveals global expansion –aided by Dubai HQ

Supy, the leading AI powered inventory management, procurement, and business intelligence software for multi-branch restaurants, announces outstanding revenue growth and reveals its global footprint.

During 2025, the UAE-based company tripled revenues amid a major operational expansion. Supy now operates in 42 countries (up from 25 in 2024) in six continents - with offices in Dubai, Riyadh, London, Melbourne and Hong Kong. Supy is built for complex, multi-branch restaurant groups - who run restaurants at scale – and works with varied, high-profile hospitality brands (see www.supy.io).

Supy’s core mission is key to its success: reducing a restaurant’s costs and increasing its gross profit margins. Food is one of the industry’s largest

cost lines and under-optimized by operators – who often only discover where money went, after it has gone.

Supy cuts food costs by an average of 20%, eliminating hours of manual work - from supplier invoice processing with AI-powered invoice receiving; to stock counting with smart templates and mobile scan-to-count. Restaurants save thousands of annual hours on inventory tasks, materially reducing labour costs. For multi-branch operators this delivers a step change in profitability

For years, hospitality tech was ‘front of house’: reservations, delivery, guest experience. Supy focuses on the ‘back of house’ – the ‘brain’ of the restaurant. This has the most impact on profit –but had been forgotten by technology. It is where recipes set the margins; where food cost decisions happen daily; where thousands of supplier invoices flow in; and stock becomes either revenue or waste. Restaurants generate huge data volumes here, but most operators can’t identify where issues are until it is too late.

Supy’s software addresses inventory management; procurement and purchasing; recipe costing; reporting; and business

intelligence and insights - delivering superior real-time data and enabling great decision making.

Dani El Zein, Co-Founder & CEO of Supy, said:

“We have been so focused on product building, laying foundations, and putting the right growth levers in place, we haven’t paused to publicly share our progress. Our achievements: global expansion, revenue growth, partnerships, is just the foundation. The pillars are now in place, and we’re just getting started!

“Restaurants generate huge data every day, but nobody connected it all to give operators the insight they actually needed. That is about to change. We will be launching a powerful intelligence layer giving restaurant groups real-time visibility, predictive insights, and clear direction on where to act. The 2026 environment is one of rising costs and tightening margins. Supy is not a nice-to-have, but a must have! It is the difference between protecting your margins and finding out too late.”

Supy’s UAE heritage and headquarters are also strategic advantages. Dubai’s growth is setting records: a dining scene with 119 MICHELIN Guide restaurants across 35 cuisines,

including the world’s first three-MICHELIN-starred Indian restaurant. It is the world’s most demanding hospitality market. Operators expect speed, accuracy, and real-time reliability. Building Supy in Dubai was not a choice, but a proving ground. If your product works for Dubai’s restaurant operators, it works anywhere.

AI is core to Supy’s growth strategy: AI Sales Forecasting and Predictive Ordering are currently in beta, and the imminent launch of an AI Insights Hub will provide predictive decision support across every layer of a restaurant group. Supy has also invested heavily in its own AI infrastructure, transforming everything it does internally across all teams into a unified intelligence layer, creating a compounding operational advantage that will allow them to ship product and scale faster.

Ibrahim Bou Ncoulas, Co-Founder & CTO of Supy, said:

“We have built a living source of data intelligence that powers every team at Supy, from engineering to sales. It is what allows us to move at the speed we do and compound our advantage every day. On the product side, we’re now taking this further with anomaly detection and predictive insights, so restaurant operators don’t just see what happened, they see what’s about to happen. The direction is clear: we’re building your restaurant’s co-pilot.”

AI changes the game. Supy exists because the future of hospitality software is not at the table, but behind the kitchen door. The 2026 environment is one of rising costs; rising taxes; and shrinking margins. Operators controlling their back-ofhouse in real time are the ones who will survive and scale.

Supy also integrates with over 100 POS systems, ERP software, and accounting platforms, making it one of the most connected back-of-house solutions in the market.

ESCAPE THE RAIN THIS SPRING

Head to a Sandals or Beaches Resort in the Caribbean this April

If you’re sick and tired of the UK rain, why not book an all-inclusive Caribbean holiday to an adultsonly Sandals Resort or family-friendly Beaches Resort? Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd. (UCHL), the in-house UK tour operator for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, has some excellent offers on last-minute escapes this April.

A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Ochi Beach Jamaica staying in a Great House Luxury Room costs from £1,999 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, return economy class flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow Airport and resort transfers. Price is date specific and valid for travel on 30th April 2026.

A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Negril, Jamaica staying in a Longshore Luxury Room costs from £2,059 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, return economy class flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow Airport and resort transfers. Price is date specific and valid for travel on 30th April 2026.

A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Halcyon Beach, Saint Lucia staying in a Crystal Lagoon Walkout Swim-up Club Level Suite costs from £2,529 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, Club Sandals Concierge Service, return economy class flights with British Airways from London Gatwick Airport

and resort transfers. Price is date specific and valid for travel on 14th April 2026.

A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Grande Antigua staying in a Mediterranean Club Level Suite costs from £2,719 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, Club Sandals Concierge Service, return economy class flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow Airport and resort transfers. Price is date specific and valid for travel on 23rd April 2026.

A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Barbados staying in a Crystal Lagoon Luxury Honeymoon Room with Balcony

Tranquillity Soaking Tub costs from £2,999 per adult. Price includes allinclusive accommodation, return economy class flights with British Airways from London Heathrow Airport and resort transfers. Price is date specific and valid for travel on 20th March 2026.

Package holidays booked with UCHL are financially protected by ATOL and ABTA. Prices are guaranteed at the time of booking and can be secured with a deposit of £175 per person.

Exclusions apply. All prices are subject to change and availability.

To book, call 0800 597 0002 or visit www.sandals.co.uk or www.beaches.co.uk.

GF FAÑABÉ: THE COSTA ADEJE STANDARD

A masterclass in effortless hospitality, where thoughtful service and rooftop serenity define the Tenerife experience

Set in the vibrant resort of Costa Adeje, GF Fañabé offers an inviting blend of comfort, warm hospitality and excellent value. Ideally located within easy walking distance of the beach and a variety of shops, cafés and restaurants, the hotel provides a convenient and welcoming base from which to explore one of Tenerife’s most popular coastal destinations.

First impressions matter, and here they are handled with effortless professionalism. Check-in was smooth and efficient, with knowledgeable reception staff ensuring we had all the information needed to settle in and start enjoying our stay. Shortly after we checked into our room, the guest relations team surprised us with

a bottle of cava, balloons, cakes and a card as both myself and our friend were celebrating birthdays. It was such a lovely and thoughtful touch and a great way to start the holiday that immediately made us feel valued as guests.

The hotel’s facilities are designed with relaxation in mind. A spacious main pool area offers plenty of room for guests to unwind during the day, while the adults-only rooftop terrace provides a peaceful retreat above the bustle of the resort. Complete with its own pool, bar and comfortable sun loungers, the rooftop quickly became our favourite place to spend leisurely afternoons in the sunshine.

Dining at the hotel is equally enjoyable. The buffet restaurant offers an impressive variety of dishes at each sitting, catering to a wide range of tastes. In the evenings, guests can enjoy the hotel’s entertainment programme, which provides a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Alternatively, the outdoor bar at the front of the hotel offers a more laid-back setting, where live singers perform nightly and guests can unwind with a drink.

The drinks menu is well priced and thoughtfully prepared with the white sangria standing out as a particular highlight and easily among the best I have ever tasted.

For those seeking wellness and relaxation beyond the poolside, the hotel also features a gym, spa and beauty treatment facilities, adding another layer of comfort to the overall experience.

What truly elevates a stay at GF Fañabé, however, is the exceptional service. The staff are consistently friendly, attentive and genuinely eager to help, ensuring that nothing ever feels like too much trouble.

Combining a superb location, thoughtful touches and warm hospitality, this welcoming hotel offers a holiday experience that is both relaxing and memorable. It is a place that effortlessly captures the easygoing charm of Costa Adeje and one that leaves guests already looking forward to their return.

Overall we had a wonderful stay and would happily return to GF Fañabé.

Katrina Cooke Hotel And Restaurant Magazine

THE AUTOMATED ADVANTAGE

How Rønne Hotel leveraged Picasso Digital to secure

a

16% revenue increase through full-scale operational autonomy

Picasso Digital, Scandinavia’s most popular hotel management system, is helping hotels of all sizes streamline operations, increase revenue, and automate everyday tasks.

One example is Rønne Hotel on the Danish island of Bornholm, where owner Flemming Bech has experienced both higher revenue and significantly less day-to-day administration after implementing the system.

The hotel has operated as a selfservice hotel from day one and for the past 13 seasons, which placed specific demands on the choice of hotel system. Rønne Hotel is a small but modern hotel, centrally located in Rønne on the island of Bornholm, with just six rooms. Its size initially made the choice of system particularly interesting.

“With only six hotel rooms, it may seem unusual to use such a comprehensive system,” Bech explains. “Nevertheless, it has resulted in higher profits and

less manual work.” The results are quantifiable: a 16% revenue increase in the most recent financial year.

Today, operations are almost fully automated. The reception is unmanned, with guests receiving door codes via SMS and checking out via automated email. Even housekeeping is digitized through the Piccoline app, allowing staff to mark rooms ready for check-in instantly.

Administrative reporting is equally seamless. By utilizing the YPI Channel Manager and MIS, Bech has eliminated manual data entry from third-party sites. Furthermore, a shift toward integrated online booking has allowed the hotel to retain the 18% commission previously paid to OTA channels.

For Bech, digitalization has delivered both growth and professional freedom. Rønne Hotel proves that even a boutique property can achieve significant impact through a fully automated, sophisticated solution.

Discover our new Online giftcard module

Sell Gift Cards for Any Amount or Experience –With or Without Discounts

Our new gift card module presents a wide range of new opportunities for online gift card sales.

You can, for example, set up multiple types of gift cards, each with its own design

Gift cards can be issued for a custom amount, a hotel stay, or a specific experience.

You can include discounts on selected gift cards, define sales periods, and much more.

It is fully optimised for mobile devices and allows your customers to add a personal greeting to the gift card and preview the design before purchase.

Guests can redeem the gift card in the restaurant, at reception, or online, ensuring a smooth and flexible experience.

INTRODUCING ARA MARIS

A Design-Led Mediterranean Retreat

Ushering in a New Culinary and Wellness Era in the Heart of Sorrento

Set above the Gulf of Naples, in the very heart of Sorrento, Ara Maris

Hotel & Spa is redefining modern Mediterranean luxury through a rare combination of contemporary design, destination-led gastronomy and a deeply atmospheric wellness offering.

Ara Maris is Sorrento’s only fully design-led, contemporary boutique hotel, offering an elegant counterpoint to the Amalfi Coast’s more traditional hospitality landscape. Opened in 2024 and entering a pivotal new chapter for 2026, Ara Maris is Sorrento’s only adults-only hotel (welcoming guests

aged 10+), featuring just 49 rooms and suites and offering an intimate, refined environment rooted in calm, privacy and a strong sense of place.

A Contemporary Design Landmark in Sorrento

Designed by Milan-based studio

Spagnulo & Partners, Ara Maris is rooted in a unified design vision where architecture, interiors and landscape form a single narrative.

The façade reinterprets the language of 1960s Italian modernism — with subtle references to Gio Ponti

— through geometric panels that come alive after dark via a carefully choreographed lighting system. This architectural rhythm carries through the interiors in bespoke ceramics, custom furnishings and recurring material motifs.

Italian craftsmanship is central throughout: handmade ceramics by Giovanni De Maio, matte nauticalinspired woods by Listone Giordano, custom furniture by Molteni, lighting by Panzeri, and a “proper spa” equipped with Technogym technology. Bronze detailing, natural stone flooring and blue ceramic installations lend warmth and tactility, while imperfections are embraced as part of the hotel’s material honesty.

At the heart of the property lies an elliptical swimming pool set within nearly 2,000 square metres of gardens — a rare, tranquil oasis in central Sorrento. A rooftop sky bar crowns the hotel, framing uninterrupted views across the Gulf and delivering one of the area’s most atmospheric sunset settings.

Art also plays a defining role, with public spaces conceived as evolving gallery environments. In collaboration with Orma Art, Ara Maris hosts rotating exhibitions that explore Mediterranean identity through contemporary Italian artists, reinforcing the hotel’s position as a cultural as well as hospitality destination.

A New Culinary Vision, Led by Michelin-Starred Talent

For 2026, Ara Maris unveils a new culinary direction with the appointment of Chef Luigi Lionetti as Executive Chef, following his acclaimed success at the iconic Punta Tragara in Capri, and marking a major milestone in the hotel’s evolution.

A chef deeply connected to Campania and the Sorrentine Peninsula, Lionetti brings with him decades of experience, including the achievement and stewardship of a Michelin star in 2020.

Having lived between Sorrento and Capri for over 18 years, his return to the Peninsula is both personal and purposeful.

His vision for Ara Maris centres on authentic luxury: cuisine that is generous yet precise, expressive yet grounded in tradition, and always focused on the guest. Across the hotel’s culinary spaces, menus will champion the exceptional raw materials of the region. Think sun-ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, Sorrento’s braided mozzarella, local dairy products, citrus fruits, seasonal vegetables and the daily catch from the Gulf.

At Lumi Sky Lounge, guests can expect a refined aperitivo and tapas-style experience designed to complement the hotel’s extraordinary panoramic setting, with small plates, shareable dishes and sunset rituals taking centre stage, rather than a traditional sit-down dinner format. The restaurant below offers a more creative and expressive interpretation of Campanian and Sorrentine cuisine. Throughout, long-standing relationships with local producers and fishermen ensure a genuine connection between territory and table.

Step by step, and without compromise, Chef Lionetti’s ambition is to establish Ara Maris as one of the Peninsula’s most compelling culinary addresses, not by competing with the region’s history, but by adding a confident new chapter to it.

T hala Spa: A Mediterranean Wellness Sanctuary

Wellness at Ara Maris is anchored by Thala Spa, a fully fledged destination spa inspired by the Mediterranean and conceived as an immersive sensory journey rather than a purely technical offering.

Named after thalassa, the Greek word for sea, the spa unfolds as a modern sanctuary shaped by coastal light, marine fragrances and natural textures. In a destination renowned for luxury wellness, Thala Spa distinguishes itself through a clear Mediterranean identity and a contemporary, designled approach.

Signature treatments include the Red Coral Signature Ritual, inspired by Tui Na and Shiatsu techniques and incorporating coral elements sourced from Torre del Greco, historically associated with coral craftsmanship. Other highlights include the Sunny Massage, a summer-inspired exfoliating ritual, and the Lemon Massage, using oil derived from local Sorrento lemons in homage to the Peninsula’s citrus heritage.

Ara Maris works with select Italian wellness brands, including Herbelia, an artisanal, Made-in-Italy skincare house based near Naples, alongside internationally recognised names such as Bakel. Looking ahead to 2026, the spa will introduce the Venice Head Spa multifunctional bed, integrating Japanese head spa technology with advanced holistic treatments.

Wellness extends beyond the treatment rooms, with guests invited to combine spa rituals with poolside yoga, fitness experiences and carefully curated arrival treatments designed to ease the transition into relaxation from the moment they arrive.

Rediscovering Sorrento

As travellers increasingly look beyond the Amalfi Coast’s busiest enclaves, Sorrento is emerging as a destination in its own right — offering a compelling mix of gastronomy, culture, coastal beauty and year-round vibrancy.

Perfectly positioned with excellent connections to Capri, Pompeii and the wider Campania region, Ara Maris allows guests to experience Southern Italy with depth and authenticity, without sacrificing ease or elegance.

For 2026, Ara Maris invites travellers to rediscover Sorrento through a new lens — one defined by contemporary design, elevated cuisine, meaningful wellness and a confident sense of place.

Ara Maris offers a seasonal retreat with a starting rate of €586 per night. For more information or to schedule visit, please visit their website or their Instagram.

www.aramarishotel.com

REINTRODUCING THE WILLIAM IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN

Namron Hospitality makes its debut in New York City

On the heels of two Miami hotel openings this winter, the award-winning, international Namron Hospitality group is proud to expand its U.S. portfolio by reintroducing The William boutique hotel in New York City.

Located on 24 East 39th Street, steps from Bryant Park and Grand Central Station, the hotel occupies two interconnected, original 20th-century Beaux Arts brownstones that were a private social club for Williams College liberal arts graduates in the 1920s. Newly reopened by the Namron group, the 33-suite property blends historic charm with a refined level of hospitality and a bespoke, contemporary luxury inspired by New York’s rich cultural tapestry.

A creative collaboration between In Situ Design, Lilian B. Interiors, and the renowned Chelsea artist William Engel

himself, each of The William’s 33 suites is a living work of art, weaving history, creativity, and the dynamic energy of the city into the guest experience. The hotel functions as a liveable art gallery and a canvas for self-expression, featuring vibrant colours and bold monochromatic palettes, with modern furnishings and decor that merge art, architecture, and interior design. Accommodations vary in layout to fit different needs, from studios with fully equipped kitchenettes to the Penthouse Suite with a private terrace that offers incredible skyline views.

The renovated six-story building is also home to distinctive social spaces that encourage connection and community.

The Raines Law Room on the property’s ground floor is an intimate respite for craft cocktails and bites with the pulse of the city.

At The William, every moment is an opportunity to channel the greatest stories of Manhattan. Local insiders called ‘Culture Curators’ guide guests throughout their stay to discover authentic New York City, from art, theatre and museums, to restaurants & bars, architecture, music and more.

The William rates begin at $350+ USD (approx £260) per night. For bookings and more information, visit www.TheWilliamNYC.com

JA RESORT & HOTELS MOTHER’S DAY PROGRAMMES

This Mother’s Day, JA Resorts & Hotels presents a collection of experience-led celebrations

The celebrations shaped by setting – from Dubai’s only mountain resort to championship golf course views and the remote shores of the Maldives. Each property honours mothers through thoughtful gestures and moments designed to feel personal, generous and rooted in place.

JA Hatta Fort Hotel – Dubai’s only mountain resort

Set against the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains, JA Hatta Fort offers a celebration defined by open skies, cooler mountain air and a slower rhythm. Low-rise villas and cabins sit discreetly within the landscape, creating a peaceful retreat just two hours from the city. On Mother’s Day, mothers will receive a single rose during breakfast and a complimentary mocktail during brunch – a simple yet

meaningful gesture within a setting shaped by nature and panoramic mountain views.

JA Ocean View Hotel –Jumeirah Beach Residence

Located along the vibrant JBR promenade, JA Ocean View Hotel combines uninterrupted Arabian Gulf

views with a lively waterfront energy.

For Mother’s Day, mothers dine complimentary across all outlets when celebrating with their family – including Il Motto Café, Il Motto Pizzeria, Aqua, OIA and Offside –allowing guests to enjoy sea-view dining within one of Dubai’s most dynamic coastal neighbourhoods.

JA Lake View Hotel –Overlooking the championship golf course

Contemporary and lifestyle-led, JA Lake View Hotel offers a refined yet relaxed setting overlooking the resort’s championship golf course. This Mother’s Day, celebrations are positioned around flexibility and choice, inviting mums to shape the day their way – whether opting for a restorative spa treatment at Cool Spa for complete relaxation or selecting an activity to enjoy together as a family, such as tennis or padel, swimming with horses, water sports and sailing or visiting the animal discovery zone. The experience reflects the hotel’s balance of leisure, cuisine and lifestyle, designed to feel effortless and considered.

Mothers can choose whether to relax with a spa treatment or energise with an activity with this special offer.

• Complimentary breakfast or halfboard.

• One Calm Spa treatment for pure relaxation.

• One land experience such as golf, tennis, or padel.

• One water experience including kayaking or paddleboarding.

• A stay shaped around balance, movement, and time to unwind.

JA Manafaru – Maldives, Haa

Alifu Atoll

In the northernmost reaches of the Maldives, JA Manafaru creates an immersive island celebration where nature and Maldivian hospitality shape every moment.

Mother’s Day experiences include:

• Ocean & Adventure – 50% savings on the Snorkelling Adventure by Dhoni (09:30–11:30) and 15% savings on Jet Ski experiences as part of “Mom’s Turn to Drive.”

• Wellness – A complimentary 30-minute Face Lift DIY Class at 10:00am.

• Culinary Celebrations – A special Mother’s Day dish, signature drink and flowers for all mothers at Ocean Grill (USD 95) and a curated set menu with wine pairing and floral welcome at The Cellar (USD 250).

• Family Moments – A “Mom & Me” Pizza Class, “Best Mom” ribbon medal craft and an Island Flower Hunt designed to create shared, meaningful moments.

Across Dubai and the Maldives, JA Resorts & Hotels continues its legacy of destination-led hospitality, creating celebrations that feel generous, thoughtful and shaped by place.

POST-OLYMPIC

RECOVERY STAY AT SIRO BOKA PLACE

Where performance, recovery and rest come into balance

At SIRO Boka Place, a destination built for better, recovery is approached with the same mindset as performance. A two-and-a-half-day post-Olympic recovery stay has been thoughtfully designed to support the body and mind in the transition from peak output into restoration following the intensity of competition in Milan. While inspired by the needs of high-performance athletes, the programme is designed for those seeking effective recovery. Whether maintaining an active lifestyle, travelling frequently, or simply prioritising well-being after a demanding period.

Rooted in performance science and delivered through refined hospitality, the two-and-a-half day experience reflects SIRO Boka Place’s approach to well-being, where recovery is intentional, restorative and seamlessly integrated into each aspect of the stay.

Arrival: a conscious transition into recovery

From the moment of arrival guests are invited to slow down. A welcome ritual of vitamin-infused water to support hydration post travel, sets an immediate sense of calm and restoration. While an intentionally

unhurried check-in experience is allows the nervous system to shift gently from performance into recovery mode.

In-room recovery designed for deep rest

Each room at SIRO Boka Place is designed with recovery front of mind, where rest plays an active role in well-being. Blackout curtains support circadian rhythm regulation, while the in-room Recovery Cabinet, guided meditation and gentle stretching resources encourage a relaxing wind-down before sleep.

Every detail is curated to promote uninterrupted, high-quality rest, supporting muscular repair, mental recovery and overall balance.

Day

one: travel relief and muscle release

Following arrival, guests begin their journey in the Recovery Lab with compression boot therapy, helping to ease travel fatigue and support circulation in the lower body.

Recovery day-one continues with SIRO’s signature Modular Massage centered around assisted stretching, designed to release tension, improve mobility and restore ease of movement whether from competition, training or long hours of travel.

Day two: active recovery and cellular support

The morning starts with restorative yoga and guided meditation, focusing on gentle movement, breath-work and nervous system regulation. Accessible to all levels, this session supports mobility, body awareness and mental reset.

Early afternoon introduces Cryo Chamber therapy, a short but powerful exposure to -110 degrees celsius, designed to stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation and accelerate muscular recovery.

As evening approaches, recovery deepens with a full body Red Light Therapy session, this 20-minute session in the Recovery Lab uses targeted wavelengths, stimulating activity on a cellular level. Combined with compression boots, this pairing supports tissue repair, muscle regeneration and relaxation.

Departure day: leaving balanced and ready

On the final morning, guests take part in a Functional Mobility session led by a SIRO trainer. This guided class focuses on efficient movement patterns, joint health and mobility, supporting everyday function and ease of travel onward.

A concluding compression boot session ensure guests depart feeling grounded, restored and physically prepared for what comes next.

Nutrition designed to restore Dining plays a central role in the experience, with meals at SIRO Table thoughtfully curated to support recovery and refuel the body. Farm-totable dinners feature nutrient-dense, seasonal ingredients that replenish energy stores, while protein-rich breakfasts provide essential building blocks for muscle repair and sustained energy. Lunch recommendations from SIRO Boka Place’s nutritionist highlight clean-energy cuisine rich in antioxidants, supporting immune health and cellular regeneration. All allowing guests to remain light and balanced throughout the stay

A recovery stay designed for real life

The post-Olympic recovery stay at SIRO Boka Place reflects a performance-led philosophy where recovery is intentional, accessible and seamlessly integrated into the guest experience. Designed for those who expect more from how they feel, this stay goes beyond a wellness escape. Offering a guided recovery journey, allowing guests to reset, restore and leave feeling balanced, energised and ready to perform at their best.

For reservations and additional information, contact reservations@sirobokaplace.com or visit www.sirohotels.com.

HOLIDAY GOALS STAY AT SANDALS ROYAL CURAÇAO

Explore the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup

Curaçao’s national football team, known as The Blue Wave, has recently made history by becoming the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup. Head to the colourful Caribbean island this year to explore it in all its glory, from the blue hues of the ocean, to the vibrant buildings and artwork that fill the streets of its capital city, Willemstad.

Unique Caribbean Holiday Ltd. (UCHL), in-house tour operator for Sandals Resorts, has some fantastic offers on all-inclusive escapes to Sandals Royal Curaçao when booking by 3rd March 2026. Offers include either Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class return flights with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, flying from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, or Southampton Airport, and connecting via Amsterdam. Flights from up to 14 other regional airports in the UK can also be added from as little as £40 per person.

The adults-only Sandals Royal Curaçao features unlimited, all-inclusive dining at up to eight restaurants and three beach side food trucks, access to 13 bars with unlimited drinks including premium spirits, complimentary water sports including up to two scuba dives per day for certified divers, land sports including eight dedicated pickleball

courts, and more. Roundtrip airport transfers in Curacao are included in every stay.

Guests staying in butler level accommodation for seven nights or more at Sandals Royal Curacao can experience the resort’s Island Inclusive Dining programme, where they can enjoy a meal out at a local partner restaurant during their stay, up to the value of $250 USD with roundtrip transfers included. Guests who book to stay in either the Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalow with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub, or the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow with Private Pool will also benefit from the use of a Mini Cooper on one day of their stay.

Top offers to Curaçao from UCHL including Economy class flights:

• A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Royal Curaçao in a Carisia Luxury Room costs from £2,049 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, return Economy class flights with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester or Southampton Airports connecting via Amsterdam, and resort transfers. Price is date specific and valid for

travel on 29th or 30th September 2026. Book return economy-class flights from a choice of up to 14 other regional airports in the UK from an additional £40 per person.

• A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Royal Curaçao in a Carisia Luxury Room costs from £2,199 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, return Economy class flights with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester or Southampton Airports connecting via Amsterdam, and resort transfers. Price is date specific and valid for travel on 31st May or 1st June 2026. Book return economy-class flights from a choice of up to 14 other regional airports in the UK from an additional £40 per person.

Top offers to Curaçao from UCHL including Premium Economy class flights:

• A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Royal Curaçao in a Subi Premium Room costs from £3,579 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, return Premium Economy class flights with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester or Southampton Airports connecting via Amsterdam, and resort transfers. Price is date specific and valid for travel on 6th June 2026.

Book return economy-class flights from a choice of up to 14 other regional airports in the UK from an additional £40 per person.

• A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Royal Curaçao in a Subi Club Level Room costs from £3,729 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, Club Sandals Concierge Service, return Premium Economy class flights with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester or Southampton Airports connecting via Amsterdam, and resort transfers. Price is date specific and valid for travel on 6th June 2026.

Book return economy-class flights from a choice of up to 14 other regional airports in the UK from an additional £40 per person.

Top offers to Curaçao from UCHL including Business Class flights:

• A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Royal Curaçao in a Sunchi Beach side Club Level Room costs from £4,635 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, Club Sandals Concierge Service, return Business Class flights with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester or Southampton Airports connecting via Amsterdam, and resort transfers. Price is date specific and valid for travel on 31st May 2026.

Book return economy-class flights from a choice of up to 14 other regional airports in the UK from an additional £80 per person.

Package holidays booked with UCHL are financially protected by ATOL and ABTA. Prices are guaranteed at the time of booking and can be secured with a deposit of £175 per person. Exclusions apply. All prices are subject to change and availability.

To book, call 0800 597 0002 or visit www.sandals.co.uk

FRESH DIRECT LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE FARMING INITIATIVE

Fresh Direct Completes LEAF Marque commitment and Advances Sustainable Farming Programme

Fresh Direct, a leading supplier of fresh produce to the foodservice industry, has achieved its pledge to source all contracted British produce from LEAF Marque accredited growers.

Achieving LEAF standards ensures that Fresh Direct’s growers are

independently verified against a robust whole-farm sustainability standard, driving continuous improvements in soil health, biodiversity, water and energy management to deliver more responsibly grown British produce.

Building on this achievement, Fresh Direct has now created a number of partnerships with suppliers to implement more sustainable farming initiatives, based on regenerative farming principles that aim to promote biodiversity and nature while producing food.

The company is collaborating with Regen Future Co, the regenerative farming experts, to pilot projects with three of its progressive growers – FreshGro, Len Wright Salads and Barfoots. These growers provide an excellent test-bed, spanning a diverse range of farming systems and regions of the UK.

Fresh Direct and Regen Future Co have created locally appropriate interventions that will help identify the opportunities and challenges growers face in putting regenerative principles, as defined by LEAF Marque, into practice. Projects aim to improve soil health and biodiversity, and include developing a 300-metre diverse

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hedgerow and wild flower meadow, creating new wildlife habitats and developing a vibrant new freshwater ecosystem that is intended to help to boost biodiversity.

Pete Statham, Head of European Sustainability for Fresh Direct’s parent company, Sysco GB, said: “Climate and extreme weather are making it increasingly difficult to grow food, and we’re committed to partnering with our suppliers to build resilient supply chains and secure the future of food.

“Our collaborations with three key growers aim to demonstrate initiatives that can improve commercial farming for biodiversity, soil health and the climate. If successful, this will allow us to share insights and learnings to enhance sustainability and resilience throughout the supply chain. It’s an opportunity to collaborate to help build a constructive dialogue around sustainable farming in the foodservice supply chain that supports nature alongside food production.”

THE VERY FIRST FIVE-STAR HOTEL IN KIMOLOS CELEBRATES

ESPERA Suites celebrate slow luxury and the authenticity of local life

Located on Kimolos, between the crystalline waters of the Aegean and the unspoiled barren hills just a few kilometers from the more famous Milos, Espera Suites is the first five-star resort on the island, officially opening its doors for the summer 2025 season.

A sanctuary of tranquility just 500 meters from Kalamitsi and Bonatsa beaches—two of the most popular in Kimolos—where the luxury of slowness is celebrated.

Inspired by the traditional architecture of the ancient Kimolos Castle, Espera is conceived to allow guests to experience total connection with nature, from breathtaking views to unforgettable sunsets.

Slow luxury, authenticity, and meticulous attention to highly personalized service, discreetly present whenever needed, are the three core pillars of the five-star resort’s philosophy.

At Espera, luxury follows the gentle rhythm of time, in the discretion of service and in the supreme quality of every detail, embracing a minimalism that removes excess and prioritizes calm.

“When I first arrived on Kimolos, I was struck by its authenticity: pristine beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the locals.

I wanted to share this experience by creating Espera Suites, crafting a place where luxury coincides with slowness, privacy, and the simple beauty of island life.

I want every guest to feel welcomed and valued, experiencing something that remains in their heart,” says Panagiotis Paraskevopoulos, Managing Director & Owner.

Eighteen suites in traditional local style

Elegance and serenity form the foundation of the eighteen suites, entirely inspired—in both common areas and rooms—by the architecture of Kimolos Castle.

Sloped walls, compact volumes, and internal courtyards create an intimate, almost sheltered village, where every corner invites relaxation and nurtures a sense of belonging, quickly forming an emotional connection.

The interiors are designed to stimulate the senses: soft lighting, thoughtful spatial layouts, and carefully chosen materials enhance tranquility and intimacy, with a colour palette favouring natural tones and textiles selected to create warm, sunlit spaces.

The highlight: spectacular views.

Sunrise Escape, Cerulean Bliss and Aqua Horizon suites offer breathtaking panoramas over the Aegean, giving the sensation of living suspended between sea and sky. Sunset Breeze suites offer stunning sunset views with part sea and mountain landscapes.

The four suites categories are: Sunset Breeze Suites (24 m²), designed for couples seeking intimacy, these suites offer partial sea views and private terraces. Here, twilight takes center stage: the setting sun casts warm hues over walls and furnishings, while a gentle breeze carries the salty essence of the island.

Sunrise Escape Suites (28 m²), with direct sea views, these suites offer the pleasure of waking to the gentle sound of the waves. Minimalism and elegance merge in a calming atmosphere, where whites and natural tones contrast delicately with the king-size bed and functional furnishings. Private terraces invite guests to enjoy coffee while admiring the Aegean panorama.

Cerulean Bliss Suites (35 m², splitlevel), Ideal for up to four guests, these suites feature a functional layout separating living and sleeping areas. The panoramic terrace, shaded by a pergola, becomes a space for shared relaxation. Natural materials and warm tones create a welcoming atmosphere, while the privacy of each area allows guests to enjoy both communal and personal moments.

Aqua Horizon Private Pool Suites (45 m²), it’s the largest offering blends luxury and romance. Featuring a private pool, two furnished terraces, and panoramic Aegean views, it offers unforgettable vistas. The elegant, luminous, and spacious interior, with a master bedroom, separate living area, and refined details, transforms every stay into a complete sensory experience.

T he culinary experience as part of the Espera story

Design and hospitality, but also authentic flavours. Espera Suites, conceived as an intimate fivestar village, integrates the Amoni restaurant, hosting a menu created by well reknowned Chef Dimitris

Dimitriadis, open also to non-resident guests.

A temple of sensory pleasure and a haven for food lovers seeking delight and satisfaction, Amoni offers an à la carte menu of food and cocktails that emphasizes organic, locally sourced ingredients. Ingredients are passed down through generations on an island where the intensity of flavour is enhanced by the challenges of growing.

The culinary offering celebrates the authentic flavours of Kimolos, combining Mediterranean cuisine, local tradition, and contemporary inspiration: fresh fish of the day, vegetables, and island products are presented in simple yet refined dishes that highlight the excellence of the ingredients.

The restaurant and its terrace offer panoramic sea views with a sunset ‘to die for’, creating a multi-sensory experience where each meal becomes a moment of pleasure and contemplation.

Amoni is designed as a space for understated conviviality, where guests and locals alike can enjoy the richness of Cycladic cuisine in an elegant and relaxed environment.

Espera Suites invites guests to experience Kimolos with slowness and awareness, from sea-view breakfasts to secluded beaches, traditional villages, and local flavours that become an integral part of the experience.

Espera Suites Website www.esperasuites.com Instagram www.instagram.com/ esperakimolos/?hl=en

BLACKPOOL RESTAURANT WEEK SET TO RETURN IN MARCH

In March, Blackpool Restaurant Week is set to return with more venues across the town

Blackpool Restaurant Week returns from Thursday, 12th to Thursday, 19th March, with restaurants across the town offering special menus and deals to encourage people to eat out, try new places and support local businesses.

The week brings together a wide range of venues, from long-standing family-run favourites to independents and well-known names, with more businesses already signed up to take part than last year.

Activity takes place across different parts of Blackpool, including the town centre, Red Bank Road and Highfield Road, giving people the chance to explore different areas and discover somewhere they’ve never been before to eat.

Many participating venues will offer family-friendly options alongside their Restaurant Week menus, including child-friendly dishes, sharing plates and offers designed for groups and families eating out together. A programme of events and activities will also run during the week, giving people more reasons to visit venues across the town.

Blackpool Restaurant Week is delivered by Blackpool BIDs, bringing together Blackpool Town Centre BID and Blackpool Tourism BID, working with local partners to support the hospitality sector. The initiative is designed to encourage footfall, bring people through doors and highlight the range of food businesses operating across Blackpool.

Sue Grindrod, Managing Director of Blackpool BIDs, said: “Blackpool has a wide range of food businesses across the town, and Restaurant Week is about giving people the opportunity to discover them. The response last year showed there’s real appetite for this kind of event, and this year we’re seeing even more venues getting involved across different parts of Blackpool.

“At a time when hospitality businesses are working hard to attract customers, initiatives like this help encourage people to eat out, try somewhere new and support local venues.”

Confirmed venues already include Beach House Bar & Restaurant, Abingdon Street Market, Michael Wan’s Mandarin, Umami, Bella Italia, Limoncello and Yorkshire Fisheries, with more venues and offers to be announced in the coming weeks.

Family attraction Coral Island has been confirmed as headline sponsor, supporting the event and helping to raise its profile across the resort.

Coral Island Managing Director said: “Coral Island Blackpool is incredibly proud to sponsor Blackpool Restaurant Week and to stand alongside so many brilliant local food and hospitality businesses. This week is about celebrating the quality, choice, and value that Blackpool offers, while

encouraging both locals and visitors to try something new. Being involved means supporting our community, our fellow businesses and the people who make Blackpool such a vibrant place to visit and live.”

Students from Blackpool and The Fylde College will once again be involved during the week, gaining experience in local venues and learning more about careers in hospitality. Blackpool’s connection with fish and chips will also feature during Restaurant Week alongside a wide range of cuisines.

Jake Whittington, Managing Director of The Little Blackpool Leisure Company, operators of Abingdon Street Market and Vice Chair of the Town Centre BID Management Group, said: “Blackpool Restaurant Week gives people a reason to try somewhere new and helps show just how much choice there is when it comes to eating out across the town. It supports local businesses and encourages people to explore different areas of Blackpool.”

Participation in Blackpool Restaurant Week is free for businesses, and restaurants across the town are still invited to take part. For more information, email marketing@ blackpoolbid.org. Updates and a full list of participating venues will be available at www.blackpoolrestaurantweek.co.uk

BOWOOD ESTATE APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF BUSINESS ROLE

Bowood Estate in Wiltshire has appointed Kathrin Cockhill as Head of Business Development

The new role has been created to further the historic Estate’s commercial opportunities, while aligning with its commitment to heritage, sustainability, and visitor excellence.

Kathrin brings more than 20 years of experience in UK and international sales management, having worked in various Director of Sales roles within the hotel industry. She has worked for complementary brands, including Hilton Hotels, Center Parcs, Andrew Brownsword Hotels, and more recently as the Commercial Global Director of HotStats Ltd, a global company specialising in profit-and-loss (P&L) benchmarking for the hotel industry.

In her new role, Kathrin is responsible for developing, leading, and driving proactive revenue growth for the entire Estate, including Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort and Bowood House & Gardens.

Kathrin said: “It is a great privilege to help shape the future vision of Bowood and play a part in its evolution. Bowood has such a historically rich offer, and I’m looking forward to building on this to

create new, desirable experiences for our guests.”

As part of Kathrin’s role, she is exploring how Bowood’s varied offering could include a range of bespoke experiences tailored to a number of different audiences, from families seeking a memorable space for a celebration, to companies looking for a location to curate experiences for their next away day.

Kathrin added: “I’m looking forward to combining my operational and sales experience to attract new audiences and ensure Bowood remains front of mind for those who have visited us in the past. Bowood is a special destination with the potential to

expand on its already comprehensive guest and visitor offer. As such, I’m excited to be working with the team to deliver outstanding guest experiences for a number of new launches coming this year across the Estate.”

Kathrin is also responsible for fostering strategic B2B partnerships and reviewing Bowood’s international appeal, including engaging with travel agencies that specialise in heritage and history tours and trips.

Lord Kerry, Chief Executive and 11th generation custodian of Bowood, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Kathrin to Bowood, and I’m pleased to be working alongside her to maximise the opportunities that the Estate presents for enhancing guest experiences.

“It is critical that Bowood Estate continues to be nurtured so that it can be enjoyed for future generations to come.”

Bowood Estate has been home to the Lansdowne family for over 250 years and has evolved into a destination for discovery, culture, education, and escapism. Bowood comprises of Bowood Hotel and Bowood House & Gardens.

Bowood Hotel has a diverse commercial offering that includes accommodation, a high-quality food and beverage offer, function spaces, an award-winning spa, and is a wedding venue.

Bowood House & Gardens celebrated its 50th anniversary since opening to the public last year and welcomes day guests and season ticket holders from April to November each year. Bowood House also hosts a number of events throughout the year including Classic Ibiza, car shows, and open-air theatre. For more information about Bowood Estate, please visit www.bowood.org.

ELEGANT RESORTS

APPOINT NEW HEAD OF CHAIRMAN’S CLUB

Luxury Tour Operator is delighted to announce the appointment of Jessica Sharp

Luxury Tour Operator Elegant Resorts is delighted to announce the appointment of Jessica Sharp as Head of Chairman’s Club, the operator’s invitation-only loyalty programme.

Jessica has over 17 years’ experience in the luxury travel sector and worked for 13 years at Carrier where she held senior leadership roles within the Private Client division. Jessica brings a deep understanding of the industry and high net worth clients’ expectations when booking holidays with a luxury tour operator. Her career has been defined by leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer experience, something she is extremely passionate about.

Sharp’s mission is to lead the strategic evolution of the Chairman’s programme, with a clear focus on redefining and elevating its offering, while enhancing the end-to-end customer journey. Her priority is to ensure Elegant Resorts not only leads this space, but truly owns it.

Jessica Sharp commented: “I’m incredibly proud to step into the role of Head of Chairman’s at Elegant Resorts. This invitation-only loyalty programme

represents the very best in luxury travel, and I’m excited to build on this foundation, enhance our offering, elevate every touchpoint while ensuring we continue to lead with confidence, creativity, and distinction.”

Elegant Resorts’ Managing Director, Gordon McCreadie said: “We are delighted to welcome Jessica Sharp to our team. Jessica brings in a wealth of experience and a dedication to customer excellence and attention to detail which are essential to lead our exclusive loyalty club. I am looking forward to working with Jessica and setting new benchmarks for exclusivity and personalisation, so we keep surpassing the expectations of our loyal customers.”

CAPELLA AT GALAXY MACAU INTRODUCES BESPOKE LUXURY TO MACAU

Exclusive 95-key retreat brings together Parisian design, Michelin-starred dining, and Capella brand signatures to Galaxy Macau, Asia’s most awarded integrated resort

Capella at Galaxy Macau has opened its doors, introducing bespoke luxury to one of Asia’s most vibrant cultural hubs. Reflecting Galaxy Macau’s signature golden allure is a carefully crafted sanctuary with Capella’s signature personalised service and cultural immersion.

“Tree of Life” Arrival Driveway

“This strategic partnership positions Capella at Galaxy Macau as a distinctive expression of our brand vision: an intimate, residential retreat

within an integrated resort context,” says Clive Edwards, Senior Vice President, Operations, Capella Hotel Group. “Our guests enjoy seamless access to Galaxy’s world-class amenities while experiencing the culturally immersive hospitality that defines Capella—from our Capella Culturists to curated experiences celebrating Macau’s rich heritage.”

Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer, Galaxy Entertainment Group, states: “Galaxy Macau was created as a destination where the world’s finest hospitality and ultra-luxury experiences come together. We are delighted to reveal Capella at Galaxy Macau to our treasured guests from around the world; which showcases a new expression of our signature and everevolving “World Class Asian Heart” service – that is not just personalised but anticipated; promising that true exclusivity is no longer about spectacle - but about scarcity.”

A Forest Canopy Arrival

Art is woven into the very fabric of Capella at Galaxy Macau, beginning at arrival. The ground floor lobby features a chamber of light and running water that frames the Tree of Life – the heart of the lobby that pulsates in coloured light. Round pools, lush foliage, and a mustering of carved wooden storks alight before an immersive three-metre custom LED screen by Hong Kong artist Laura Cheung, founder of homeware brand LaLa Curio. The digital artwork is a multi-sensory introduction to the hotel’s jungle-inspired narrative, inviting guests into a dynamic forest alive with living flora.

The experience continues on the first floor, where guests discover the gilded lobby featuring specially commissioned artworks. Highlights include contemporary artworks by Bruno Moinard and American ceramic artist Jason Messinger.

Sanctuaries In The Sky

Four-bedroom Capella penthouse

Interior design studio Moinard Bétaille was tasked with creating a “residential sanctuary in Macau”. Rising 17 stories with 95 suites and penthouses, the Paris-based firm—a collaboration between Bruno Moinard and his creative partner, Claire Bétaille—has created interiors that draw inspiration from the verdant tropical jungle as it transforms from dawn to dusk.

Apartment-style one- and two-bedroom suites begin at 128 square metres and feature private indoor plunge pools bathed in natural light. Each suite

features hand-finished jungle-inspired walls by Laura Cheung, extending the artist’s vision beyond her lobby installation. Four-bedroom penthouses – each spanning nearly 700 square metres – feature a light-filled balcony with an infinity-edge lap pool and outdoor lounge, offering guests a connection to nature year-round. Inside, a private winter garden; wellness room with massage chair and TechnoGym equipment; games room with foosball table and butler pantry create a comprehensive residential experience. Two-bedroom penthouses include many of the same bespoke amenities, along with a dedicated family room designed for guests with young children.

Capella brand signatures

Core to the guest experience are Capella’s signature touchpoints. Guests are welcomed by their Capella Culturist in the Capella Living Room—the heart of every Capella property, reimagined here as a cocooning social salon anchored by “Jungle Blue” – a Bruno Moinard abstract oil painting. Here, Capella Culturists serve as guides to understanding Macau’s heritage and the destination, hosting daily Capella Rituals such as tea ceremonies, baijiu tastings, and cultural introductions that enrich each stay with curated local knowledge. Following this welcome, guests are escorted to their private residences for in-suite check-in by their personal butler— dedicated team members who ensure every detail of the guest experience is seamlessly orchestrated.

Through Capella Curates—exclusive and destination-specific experiences—the hotel offers bespoke journeys that reveal different facets of Macau, including: Macau from the Sky, which invites guests to discover the city from above on a private helicopter tour. The journey takes in iconic landmarks, from the historic Portuguese architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites of the old town to the contemporary Cotai skyline, with panoramic views of the Pearl River

Delta. Each flight includes a keepsake memento.

Historic Lai Chi Vun & Maritime Cuisine explores Macau’s shipbuilding history and fishing traditions at Lai Chi Vun, a historic waterfront village known for its traditional shipyards. The experience concludes with visits to neighbourhood eateries serving local delicacies, connecting heritage with culinary tradition.

Culinary Excellence

Capella at Galaxy Macau’s dining venues reflect the hotel’s commitment to exceptional gastronomy. The hotel has brought together Hong Kong chef Vicky Cheng—the Michelin-starred chef and Krug Ambassador, whose Wing restaurant is ranked number two on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list—to present modern French cuisine shaped by his distinctive and adventurous culinary vision. Chef Cheng’s independent fine-dining restaurant is set to open in 2026.

Botanica at Capella at Galaxy Macau takes a different approach under Executive Chef Stephen Hsu, offering international comfort classics reimagined with Asian influences in an intimate 48-seat restaurant with indoor water reflections, climbing botanicals, imaginary jungle vines, and soft, pillow-like fungi stretching across the high ceilings, featuring sculptural works by Mexican artist Joel Escalona.

Pony & Plume, a whisky and cocktail bar and divan, offers more than 650

whiskies curated across eight flavour profiles. The bar’s name is its creed: the “pony” – a precise measure of spirit – represents intention in every pour, while the “plume” is the bar’s calling card, introduced as an aromatic cloud of smoke that infuses its signature cocktails. The venue celebrates precision, ritual, and aroma—an intimate space designed for conversation, community and contemplation in equal measure, from rare and limited-edition bottles to guided tastings, signature smoke-infused cocktails, bar snacks and morsels, and even a private reserve of whisky casks of provenance for those in-the-know.

Setting The Benchmark For Luxury

Four-bedroom Capella penthouse Capella at Galaxy Macau represents a distinct vision of luxury hospitality— one where every element has been orchestrated to create an exclusive urban retreat in the heart of Asia’s entertainment capital. The hotel brings together signature Capella touches— the Living Room, Capella Culturists, and Capella Curates—with personal butler service, Moinard Bétaille’s jungle-inspired design, and Chef Vicky Cheng’s forthcoming gastronomic concept. With just 95 suites and penthouses, it is an intimate sanctuary where bespoke service, art, design, and cultural immersion create a new benchmark for contemporary luxury in Macau.

THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF HIDDEN ILLNESS

Over two-thirds of hospitality staff conceal health issues to avoid loss of income and professional stigma

New research reveals the unseen health issues across sectors. Over two-thirds of hospitality workers conceal illness at work – with money worries the leading reason

New research from workplace health specialists Lime Health reveals that 68% of hospitality workers feel pressure to conceal illness at work, with nearly one in three saying they do so regularly.

The findings highlight the growing problem of pleasanteeism, the pressure employees feel to appear “fine” despite physical or mental illhealth. While presenteeism describes working while unwell, pleasanteeism goes further: it reflects the need to actively hide illness, delaying support and increasing long-term risk for both workers and employers.

Financial pressures are the main reason hospitality staff hide illness, cited by 44% of respondents, followed by concerns that management would not understand (35%) and fear of stigma, which was reported by 22%.

Lime’s wider research shows pleasanteeism is rising across the UK workforce overall, affecting 69% of employees, up from 51% in 2021.

Commenting on the findings, Shaun Williams, Founder and CEO of Lime Health, said:

“The hospitality industry is facing a number of significant headwinds – and these seem to be forcing workers to hide their very real physical and mental health issues. When workers feel they must hide how they are really feeling, the risks don’t disappear, they become invisible.

“It is deeply concerning, though not surprising, to see pleasanteeism rise from just over half of the workforce to nearly 70% in only a few years.”

He adds: “Hospitality is a fast-paced industry with historically high rates of staff turnover, with some estimates at around 50% annually. While some roles within hospitality are casual or seasonal, and typically associated with a young workforce it’s also true that the sector is one of the UK’s largest employers. Ensuring a healthy, productive workforce should be top of the agenda for the hospitality industry.”

WEEKEND ELEGANCE AT LEX YARD

Waldorf Astoria New York introduces a refined, ingredient-driven brunch service in Midtown Manhattan

Lex Yard, the American brasserie at Waldorf Astoria New York, now serves weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am to 3:00pm. The menu spans indulgent and seasonal offerings, from a fully loaded lobster roll with caviar and truffle to specialty egg dishes, pancakes, seasonal pastries, and the signature NYC bagel service for two. Guests can also enjoy a selection of chilled seafood, savoury sandwiches, and fresh market bowls highlighting the best ingredients of the season.

As a Lexington Avenue neighbourhood destination, Lex Yard blends the warmth of a local brasserie with the elegance of the Waldorf Astoria, offering a vibrant weekend dining experience in Midtown Manhattan. Chef Michael Anthony’s ingredient-driven cuisine, Executive Pastry Chef Jennie Chiu’s baked goods, and Jeff Bell’s thoughtful beverage program come together to create a refined yet approachable brunch for both locals and travellers.

UN TOURISM, IBEROSTAR AND CIRCLE ECONOMY CHAMPION THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

A key driver of a resilient and competitive hospitality industry

In January Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Circle Economy and UN Tourism presented the report ‘Towards circular hospitality: Transforming the tourism system’. This document examines the challenges facing the hotel industry in the face of growing resource scarcity. Aimed at fostering collective conversation with key actors in each destination, this report highlights circular economy opportunities and strategies that enable competitiveness, improved efficiency and more responsible operations in the mid- to long-term. It is estimated that tourist accommodation is responsible for 260 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year (1), a figure almost as high as the annual emissions of the whole of France. With around 70% of these emissions2 coming from the production, transport and disposal of the goods and services on which hotels depend, and which guests consume, purchasing and operational decisions can transform entire supply chains. Different circular economy strategies — such as reverse logistics or prioritising repair and reuse over disposal — are crucial to reducing the sector’s impact.

Challenges for the hotel industry

Hotels face multiple individual and systemic barriers. The report identifies ten key challenges, including: the lack of adequate recycling infrastructure in many tourist destinations, which means that waste separation in hotels does not reach its full potential; behavioural barriers, such as cultural change in behaviour in relation to climate change; the absence of a shared vision of circularity in the hospitality industry, which makes it difficult for sustainable solutions to scale beyond individual hotels or chains.

Success story: Iberostar Hotels and Resorts

In a context of systemic challenges, individual initiatives can help demonstrate what is possible and offer practical benchmarks for other actors in the value chain. The report draws on the experience of Iberostar, a hotel group with more than 100 hotels in 14 countries, to illustrate how some of these challenges are being addressed in day-to-day operations.

Iberostar’s approach to circularity combines people, data and innovation. Driven by purpose and

with commitment from leadership, the company has created teams dedicated to the 3Rs, with more than 250 professionals focused on waste separation, measurement and analysis. At the same time, it uses artificial intelligence tools in the kitchens of more than 60 hotels to monitor and reduce food waste, helping to better understand where losses occur and how they can be avoided.

In addition, efforts are being made to integrate circularity into purchasing decisions, hotel design, and the guest and employee experience, as well as daily operations. Together, these measures have contributed to a reduction of more than 80% in waste sent to landfill since 2021.

However, their experience also shows that progress requires support of actors, local infrastructure, policies and partnerships and that systemic circularity cannot be achieved through the individual actions of stakeholders across the value chain.

Five strategic opportunities for change

Built from insights and sectoral workshops, the white paper identifies five strategic areas for moving towards a circular economy:

Circular procurement:

Engage suppliers to prioritise durable, reusable or biodegradable options, avoiding unnecessary materials.

Circular operations:

Involve staff in the responsible use of resources such as water, and optimize menus.

Circular built environment:

Design energy-efficient, durable and easy-to-dismantle buildings using bio-based materials and with renewable energy.

Circular business culture and experiences:

Train managers and employees in circularity principles and raise awareness among guests to encourage responsible behaviour.

Circular destinations:

Collaborate with local authorities, invest in nature restoration and support local circular initiatives.

Gloria Fluxà the Vice-Chairman & Chief Sustainability Officer at Iberostar Group said:

“Four years ago we embarked on an ambitious journey to reduce the waste we send to landfill and bring circularity into our operations. Not as a standalone project, but as a fundamental shift in how we run our business. It meant aligning internal strategic priorities, business objectives and incentives, we believe this is how systems change begins — not with one big decision, but with thousands of small choices aligned in the same direction. The transition to a circular hotel industry will require going beyond individual efforts and committing to collaborative actions in different areas to implement systemic change. Only in this way can we scale positive impact while strengthening the competitiveness and future of our sector”

H.E. Ms Shaikha N. Alnuwais the Secretary - General at UN Tourism said: “The circular economy is not just an environmental necessity, it is a means to an end. It strengthens business resilience by recognising that hospitality depends on healthy natural and social capital. It is a powerful tool for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and promotes the well-being of destinations by helping them operate within their carrying capacity. The framework we present is designed for use by the entire value chain, providing the sector with a common direction to move forward together”

NRB ANNOUNCES FULL KEYNOTE & DEMO LINE-UP FOR 2026

Hawksmoor, UKHospitality and Michelin-starred talent lead two days of keynotes and chef demos

Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB), sponsored by Uber Eats, the leading hospitality trade show in the North, has unveiled an exceptional keynote and demo lineup for its 2026 edition.

Taking place on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th March at Manchester Central, this year’s programme promises thought-provoking discussions, exclusive interviews, and invaluable insights from some of the most influential leaders in the industry.

Day One: Tuesday 10th March

The event opens on Tuesday 10th March in the Keynote Theatre with The State of the North. Karl Chessell, Director of Hospitality Operators and Food Service at NIQ, will reveal how the region is defying headwinds and driving hospitality growth nationwide. This is followed by an exclusive interview with Allen Simpson, CEO of UKHospitality, discussing the state of

the industry and how they are lobbying the government to create a fairer system for hospitality operators.

Will Beckett, CEO of Hawksmoor, who operates 13 restaurants across the UK, US and Ireland, returns to NRB to discuss growing restaurants and bars nationally and internationally, drawing on experience from the brand’s successful expansion to Dublin, New York and Chicago.

The Heading North Panel features Laura Harper-Hinton, CEO of Caravan, alongside other leading operators who have moved North, revealing key learnings and what comes next. Later, Newcastle’s finest Kenny Atkinson –who holds two Michelin stars across House of Tides and Solstice and recently made his London debut with rooftop restaurant Solaya – will sit down for an exclusive interview about that journey and the challenges and opportunities that came with it.

Tuesday’s Chef Live sessions will showcase live cooking demonstrations from some of the North’s top chefs, including Livia Alacaron (Chin-Zano, Liverpool), Ahmed Abdalla (The Grand, York), Minal Patel (Prashad, Drighlington), Jack Bond (Cottage in

the Woods, Lake District), Luke Payne (Almanac, Glossop), and Daniel Heffy (Nord, Liverpool).

In the Pub & Bar Theatre, the BII’s Steve Alton will reveal how the best operators are fighting considerable industry challenges, while Club Soda’s Laura Willoughby MBE will present sessions on boosting sales with alcohol-free drinks and the growing mid-strength opportunity. The Multisite Pub & Bar Leaders Panel will feature Simon Potts (The Alchemist) and Joycelyn Neve (The Seafood Pub Co), and the Cocktail Bar Leaders panel brings together Fran Cruse (Stray), Joe Schofield (Schofield’s) and Alan Sherwood (Little Mercies).

The day closes with the Kuits NRB Top 50, the prestigious power list recognising the most influential operators within the Northern hospitality industry, celebrating those who have gone from strength to strength over the past year.

Day Two: Wednesday 11th March

Day two opens with one of the show’s most anticipated sessions: Feeding the Mounjaro Generation, presented by KAM founder Katy Moses. With over 1.5 million Brits now using weight-loss drugs, the keynote explores how this is reshaping how guests eat, drink and socialise - and what this means for menus, portions and pricing.

The Restaurant Marketing Leaders Panel will bring together Lucy Milne (Dishoom), James Newman (Mission Mars), and Lucy Simmonds (Blacklock), sharing the strategies and essential tools they use to stay ahead of the competition.

The Restaurant Operations Leaders panel will feature Chris Botham (Bundobust), GianMarco Carla (Big Mamma Group), and Ioan Eyton-Jones (Brunning & Price), discussing the diversity of their roles and the key skills they’ve developed to keep their businesses running smoothly.

The Hospitality Leaders Panel, will bring together Jon Knight (TRGC), Eadaoin McDonagh (Lina Stores), and Mayur Patel (Bundobust) for a lively debate on ingenuity, inclusivity, sustainability and more.

The day closes with the New Openings Panel hosts James Bates (QVO Hospitality), Jonny Heyes (Nell’s), Georgina Pellant (Cut & Craft), and Owain Williams (Madre), diving into the challenges, successes and strategies behind launching new hospitality ventures.

Wednesday’s Chef Live sessions will continue to impress with Paul Durand (Manifest, Liverpool), Shaun Moffat (Winsome, Manchester), Nina Matsunaga (Black Bull, Sedbergh), Mary Ellen McTague (Pip, Treehouse Hotel, Manchester), and Jamie Pickles (Stow / Trof, Manchester).

In the Pub & Bar Theatre, NIQ’s Reuben Pullan will explore the blurring boundaries of what defines a pub, while a dedicated panel will examine how music is driving hospitality in 2026, featuring Kate Lister (New World Trading Company) and Lucie Meiselle (Mission Mars). The Wine Bar Panel and Pub & Bar Marketing Leaders Panel will round off a packed programme.

With over 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest in food, drink and technology, the show promises a unique blend of networking, inspiration and innovation for hospitality professionals. Taking place alongside lunch! NORTH at Manchester Central on March 10th–11th, free tickets for trade professionals are available at the event website.