Luxury Hospitality Magazine - May/June 2026

WHAT WOULD AN EXTRA 20 SEATS DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

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CONTENTS

Industry News 04 - 05, 06

Company News 08 - 09, 10

Norðurflug Helicopter Tours 11

Housekeeping News 16 - 17

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In The Spotlight - Cruise Interiors at Scale: Managing Complexity Through Design 18

Latest Openings 19, 20 - 21, 35, 44

Events & Awards News 22, 48

wi-Q Technologies 24

Luxury Destination - London and HKS Reveal A Closer Look Inside Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives 28 - 29

Opinion Piece - From hyper-visibility to meaning: Why luxury must rethink its digital presence, by Mikèle Landry 30 - 31

Project - Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema: an iconic transformation redefining Sofitel in Brazil 32 - 33

Food & Drink News 36 - 37

Opinion Piece - Crazy Bear highlights growth opportunities in hospitality, by Florentina Ionita 38

Luxury Destination - Brewin Design Office Unveils Design for its First Hotel in Japan: Capella Kyoto 40 - 41

Uniform & Workwear News 42

People on the Move 46 - 47

Eterniti ACCELERATES GLOBAL EXPANSION OF ITS LUXURY PRIVATE VILLA & CHALET PORTFOLIO

Eterniti, a leading luxury villa and ski chalet rental and property management group, announced a new €30 million investment to accelerate its international expansion and further strengthen its operations.

The new funding brings total capital raised by the group to €50 million and will support the continued expansion of Eterniti’s portfolio, destinations and guest experience worldwide. The investment comes at a time of rapidly growing global demand for high-end private accommodation paired with professional hospitality services.

Eterniti currently manages more than 800 luxury villas and chalets, the majority under exclusive agreements, across 25

CITY OF THE FUTURE TO WELCOME Cordis AND Ying’nFlo

Dual-brand project secured in China’s Xiong’an New Area

Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has signed a management agreement with China Xiong’an Group Public Service Management Company to bring two of its brands – Cordis Hotels & Resorts and Ying’nFlo – to Xiong’an New Area, a state-level development in northern China built to support the next phase of growth in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Often dubbed China’s “City of the Future”, the destination will soon be home to a growing mix of administrative, commercial, and cultural institutions to be relocated from Beijing, alongside a broad network of civic amenities and public spaces. Xiong’an is also emerging as a centre for sporting and large-scale events, supported by the

development of dedicated venues and community-focused facilities, underpinned by strong transport links with neighbouring cities.

The project represents a significant step in LHG’s China expansion strategy, reinforcing its presence in the country’s north. It additionally showcases the Group’s ability to combine its upscale, full-service Cordis brand with its uppermidscale, select-service Ying’nFlo brand within a single integrated complex designed to cater to a broad range of travel needs.

Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2028, the complex will span a total gross floor area of 23,700 square

sought-after destinations in Europe, the United States and the Caribbean.

Unlike traditional villa rental agencies that operate primarily as intermediaries between owners and guests, Eterniti has built a fully integrated hospitality and property management model. In every destination where the group operates, Eterniti maintains a local operational presence with trained hospitality professionals responsible for both guest service and property management.

This approach allows the company to guarantee consistent quality standards across its portfolio. Properties are professionally maintained year-round, and any operational issues during a stay can be addressed immediately by dedicated on-the-ground teams.

“In luxury hospitality, service excellence alone is not enough if the underlying product is not perfectly maintained,” said Maxime Friess, Co-founder & CEO of Eterniti. “If something needs fixing during a guest’s stay, our teams can intervene efficiently. This operational infrastructure is what truly differentiates us from traditional rental agencies.”

The group’s offering is structured around three complementary brands, each addressing a specific segment of the luxury travel market:

metres. Cordis, Xiong’an will occupy approximately 16,000 square metres of the space and house 180 guestrooms. Like all Cordis properties, the hotel will embody the brand’s heartfelt service philosophy and embrace its new “Let Your Heart Rule” ethos aimed at inspiring travellers to pursue their passions, forge authentic connections and be guided what truly moves them.

Ying’nFlo, Xiong’an will take up 7,700 square metres of the complex and house 120 guestrooms. The property will reflect the brand’s distinctive positioning as a sociable, lifestyleled platform for a new generation of travellers, combining simple, design-led spaces with an emphasis on flexibility and ease of use. Communal areas will be designed to encourage interaction, offering a series of adaptable environments where guests can stay, work and socialise, while also serving as welcoming hubs for the surrounding community.

• Bo House, founded in Saint-Tropez, specialising in ultra-luxury villas in iconic destinations such as SaintTropez and Courchevel, with weekly rates reaching up to €400,000. The brand will soon expand to St. Barts.

• Verbier Exclusive, a boutique collection of 25 fully staffed luxury chalets in Verbier, renowned for its discreet service and deep alpine expertise.

• Emerald Stay, focused on “affordable luxury” vacation rentals, with weekly stays typically ranging from €3,000 to €20,000.

Across its destinations, Eterniti operates with a year-round team of 120 hospitality professionals, expanding to up to 200 staff during peak seasons. These teams manage both guest services and the underlying properties, reinforcing the group’s integrated approach to luxury hospitality.

This operational model reflects Eterniti’s belief that property management is not merely a support function, but a strategic activity in its own right. By combining hospitality services with direct operational control over properties, the group is able to deliver a level of reliability and consistency rarely seen in the fragmented luxury villa rental market.

The new investment has been secured by Amethyst III, a fund managed by Limestone Capital, bringing total capital raised to €50 million, including the

“We are delighted to partner with China Xiong’an Group Public Service Management Company to bring Cordis and Ying’nFlo to Xiong’an New Area,” Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord said. “As the city takes shape, we believe our dual-brand approach will be well-suited to support the broad range

previous €20 million investment. The funding will enable Eterniti to continue expanding selectively into high-demand destinations while further investing in its operational infrastructure, technology platform and guest experience.

The group has doubled its revenues year-on-year for the past four years while remaining profitable, highlighting sustained traveller demand for professionally managed luxury villas and chalets as an alternative to traditional five-star hotels.

Eterniti’s shareholder base includes prominent figures from the luxury hospitality and lifestyle sectors, including Olivier Jolivet, former CEO of Aman Group and current CEO of Como Group, as well as Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas, reflecting the brand’s international appeal.

Importantly for partners and clients, the company’s leadership and strategy remain unchanged. Co-founders Maxime Friess and Laurent Lacourt continue in their roles as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and Chief Operating Officer, respectively.

“This milestone marks a natural next step in our journey,” added Friess. “Luxury travellers increasingly seek space, privacy and authenticity, without compromising on service standards. Our ambition is to build a truly global hospitality group that delivers five-star service in private homes across the world’s most desirable destinations.”

of travel needs that will accompany its growth.”

A representative of China Xiong’an Group Public Service Management Company added: “These hotel brands will play important roles in shaping Xiong’an New Area’s hospitality landscape.

Benjamin Habbel, Founder & Managing Partner of Limestone Capital, commented:

“This investment reflects our continued conviction in Eterniti’s vision and execution, and in its potential to become the global leader in luxury vacation rental management. We are also strongly convinced by the structural growth of the €240 billion luxury hospitality industry, the fastestgrowing segment in travel, with an expected CAGR of approximately 10% over the next five years.”

The investment highlights growing confidence in the luxury vacation rental sector, one of the most dynamic areas of the travel industry, as discerning travellers increasingly favour private homes with hotel-style services for both leisure and extended stays.

“The ‘Let Your Heart Rule’ philosophy of Cordis aligns closely with our vision of creating a complex centred on people and their passions, while Ying’nFlo’s flexible, communityoriented concept will help ensure that thinking resonates with younger travellers.”

Marriott International AND Lefay ANNOUNCE MILESTONE DEAL TO GROW LUXURY WELLNESS OFFERINGS GLOBALLY

Marriott International and the Leali family, founders of Lefay, today announced their plans to enter into a joint venture to bring the highlyawarded luxury wellness hospitality brand Lefay into the Marriott portfolio. This collaboration combines Lefay’s approach to holistic wellbeing with Marriott’s global scale, and the power of its award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty platform. Lefay will be the first brand in Marriott’s portfolio dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness.

Founded in Italy in 2006 by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali, Lefay is known for its immersive resorts in natural settings and its proprietary Lefay SPA Method, which blends scientific research with holistic wellness traditions. The brand’s philosophy centers on space, serenity, and sustainability and aims to redefine modern luxury through wellbeing and authenticity.

The Lefay portfolio features two award-winning luxury resorts in Lago di Garda and Dolomiti Italy— both located in nature-rich leisure destinations. Additionally, the brand’s pipeline includes three properties under development in Tuscany, Southern Italy, and the Swiss Alps.

Lefay’s existing and pipeline resorts will operate under long-term hotel management agreements with the new joint venture, to which Lefay will contribute existing brand and intellectual property assets. The Italian real estate assets will continue to be held by the brand’s founders. Together, the parties intend to grow the brand around the world, leveraging Marriott’s powerful development capabilities.

“Marriott is thrilled to collaborate with the Leali family as we grow our luxury wellness portfolio,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO, Marriott International.

“Luxury is increasingly defined by wellbeing, purpose and meaningful experiences. We are excited to introduce Lefay to our customers around the world and thoughtfully expand Marriott’s presence in the luxury wellness space.”

A Heritage Brand Embracing Global Wellbeing

“Our family founded Lefay nearly twenty years ago with a clear vision: to create destinations where wellbeing, nature and health come together authentically,” said Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali, founders of Lefay. “We are deeply honored to begin this collaboration with Marriott and to further advance our vision of bringing the Lefay brand to the world.”

Each Lefay property is designed as an eco-resort, emphasizing architectural harmony with the natural environment, expansive indoor-outdoor spaces, sustainable materials, and wellness programs that integrate movement, nutrition, and preventative health. Guests may choose from à-la-carte treatments or structured multi-day wellness programs, all rooted in Lefay’s holistic philosophy.

Strengthening Marriott’s Luxury Portfolio and Wellness Offerings

Lefay will complement Marriott’s existing Luxury Group portfolio while appealing to a rapidly expanding global audience seeking transformative travel experiences focused on health and longevity.

“Lefay represents a new expression of luxury, one that is wellness‑first, deeply experiential, and emotionally resonant,” said Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury, Marriott International. “As guest expectations continue to evolve, our collaboration with Lefay will allow us to thoughtfully extend our luxury offerings into a space where wellbeing is not just an amenity, but the heart of the travel experience.”

“Lefay is proud to join Marriott’s Luxury Group, alongside some of the most prestigious hotel brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, EDITION and The Luxury Collection,” said Alcide Leali, CEO of Lefay. “Together, we are poised to accelerate the global expansion of the Lefay brand and further reinforce Lefay’s position as a leading name in luxury wellness hospitality.”

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YORKSHIRE RESORT Rudding Park TO EXPAND WITH FUNDING FROM HSBC UK

A Yorkshire luxury resort is expanding and improving its premises with seven figure support from HSBC UK.

Family-owned Rudding Park in Harrogate is using HSBC UK funding to complete the development of a new 60,000 sq ft golf and country club. This will include upgrades to existing health & wellbeing facilities, a new swimming pool and general improvements across the resort.

Rudding Park expects the HSBC UK supported expansion to create 75 new jobs and generate an estimated £14m in annual GVA for Harrogate. This builds on the business anticipating a 4.8% increase in turnover over the next 12 months.

The development of Rudding Park will also include the addition of 7 new padel

and tennis courts, an accompanying pavilion and the full restoration of a walled garden.

Nick Mackaness, Joint Managing Director at Rudding Park, said: “This is an exciting new phase of growth for Rudding Park, as we continue to expand and diversify high quality experiences for our guests. HSBC UK support will enable us to complete these development works, making sure our facilities exceed the expectations of our guests old and new. We look forward to expanding the team and attracting guests from all over the UK as our plans take shape.”

Tom Sikora, Relationships Director at HSBC UK, said: “Rudding Park is a fantastic example of an ambitious business in a competive market with a clear strategy for growth. The team has built a well-loved resort over many years, always understanding the next steps needed to keep attracting guests These developments will ensure Rudding Park stays a household name across the UK for many years to come and we look forward to seeing the new facilities open.”

Rudding Park has been owned by the Mackaness Family since 1972 and now features 90 bedrooms and suites, a spa, three restaurants (one of which was recently awarded a MICHELIN star), a kitchen garden, private cinema, two golf courses and conference & events spaces. The business is building new premises to a BREEAM Excellent rated sustainability standard. This process includes tree planting and the introduction of more wetland areas to achieve overall BNG gains.

Victory Group ACQUIRES ICONIC Cameron House Resort ON LOCH LOMOND

Victory Group (“Victory”) has completed the acquisition of Cameron House, the internationally renowned luxury resort set on the banks of Loch Lomond, from affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC.

The acquisition marks a further investment by Victory into luxury and prime hospitality and real estate. Cameron House joins Victory’s collection of world-class assets, which include the Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva, the largest five-star hotel in Switzerland, the Zudo project in Amsterdam’s Zuidas, a 207,000 sqm mixed-use state-of-the-art urban redevelopment (formerly the ABN AMRO headquarters), an ultra-prime office redevelopment in London’s Jermyn Street, among others.

Cameron House is one of Scotland’s most iconic destinations: a historic 17th-century estate set within an exceptional natural landscape at the gateway to the Highlands.

Erik Moresco, Founder of Victory Group, said: “This acquisition reflects our strong conviction in high-quality assets in attractive locations. Cameron House combines a setting of breathtaking beauty, heritage and luxury, with legendary Scottish hospitality. We are excited to be making our first acquisition in Scotland, and we continue to see the UK as a compelling investment market.”

Victory intends to build on Cameron House’s strong reputation, enhancing the resort through carefully curated wellness and experiential-led offerings, while respecting the estate’s historic character and environmental context.

AWARD-WINNING SCOTCH BOTTLER

Saltire Rare Malt EXPANDS INTO U.S. STEAK HOUSE MARKET

Award-winning independent Scotch whisky bottler Saltire Rare Malt, named Best Newcomer at the 2025 Scottish Whisky Awards, is strengthening its United States presence with a new tasting series across New Orleans and Texas, introducing its rare single malts at some of the region’s most celebrated restaurants and dining destinations.

Building on the brand’s growing presence in the American market, the programme will showcase Saltire Rare Malt’s ultrarare single cask Scotch whiskies through a series of guided tastings, bringing together Scotland’s rarest malts with exceptional food and drink experiences.

Guests attending the events will explore whiskies drawn from celebrated distilleries including Dailuaine, Spey, Ardmore and Tormore, alongside Falkland, the company’s sister Speyside single malt brand. Each whisky offers a distinct expression of its distillery

Blacklane UNVEILS NEW BRAND AND ENHANCED CORPORATE TRAVEL BOOKING PLATFORM

Blacklane has unveiled a new modern luxury brand identity as the global chauffeur service eyes increased global expansion and reinforces its commitment to exceptional hospitality and business travel.

As part of the evolved new look, the dedicated Blacklane bookers portal, website, and app have all been redesigned to further enhance the booking experience, including for corporate travel professionals booking on behalf of travelers. The upgraded digital platforms guide bookers through an intuitive, streamlined

and cask, reflecting the diversity and craftsmanship of Scotland’s whisky regions.

The expansion also builds on Saltire Rare Malt’s growing presence within the Steak House Hall of Fame network across the United States, following a successful launch in 2025. Working in conjunction with the organisation and its Managing Partner Ron Small, the brand is continuing to introduce its rare Scotch whiskies to some of America’s most respected dining institutions, bringing together Scotland’s rarest malts with the country’s celebrated steak house tradition.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse will host the opening event in New Orleans and a second tasting in Houston, while additional tastings will take place at Texas de Brazil in Dallas. The series concludes at TPC Houston in Sugar Land, a prestigious private members’ golf club within the PGA Tour’s TPC Network. The final event will introduce Saltire Rare Malt to one of Texas’ most respected golfing communities, further strengthening the brand’s presence across the United States whisky and dining landscape.

journey focused on Blacklane’s dedication to care and attention to detail - from first search to post-travel feedback.

Rooted in ensuring that the journey is as important as the destination, Blacklane’s evolved brand embodies the concept of ‘flow’ – the state of deep focus, clarity, and purpose that drives creativity and performance. Flow distills what has always set Blacklane apart; deeply personal service and an obsession with every detail. By reducing friction across every stage of the experience, Blacklane helps corporate travelers arrive rested, prepared, and in their best possible state for the work ahead.

Dr. Jens Wohltorf, founder and CEO at Blacklane, explains: “Blacklane’s evolved brand identity is a natural stepchange for our growing business as we accelerate our global expansion and cement our status as a luxury hospitality leader. With a strengthened visual identity, upgraded digital platforms, and

a sharpened proposition for business travelers and their bookers, Blacklane is committed to owning every step of the journey.

“Luxury is about care and attention to detail, and it is the belief that the journey is as important as the destination. Today, Blacklane sets a new standard for how executive travel should look and feel.”

The evolved Blacklane brand features a new colour palette – Blacklane Blue – moving away from functional, transactional tones often associated with ground transport. Complementing this is sleek new typography, refined iconography, and photography that captures the essence of the Blacklane experience: smooth, refined, and thoroughly considered. From airport transfers and city-to-city journeys to hourly bookings, every element is tailored to support corporate travelers moving with ease while travel managers retain confidence in quality and consistency.

BC SoftWear BECOMES A CERTIFIED B CORPORATION

Since April 2021, the brand has eliminated 111 tonnes of plastic across 19.2 million products, weighing more than 79 doubledecker buses

The leading UK-based textiles supplier, BC SoftWear, is now a Certified B Corp, joining the global community of more than 10,300 businesses across 103 countries, each using their influence to drive positive change.

B Corp certification recognises business that meet high standards of environmental impact, social responsibility and governance. B Corps are counted among the businesses leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.

“When I started this business over 20 years ago, my goal was simply to create products that genuinely made a difference to the hotels, spas and teams who rely on them.

“Sustainability wasn’t a trend then: our choices were about making things well, making them last and doing the right thing by taking responsibility for the impact we have along the way,” says Barbara Cooke, CEO and founder of BC SoftWear.

“For us, this milestone formalises the work that’s been part of our business for years. Sustainability is central to every decision we’ve made, from creating long lasting, high performance textiles and reducing waste across our supply chain to investing in responsible manufacturing with our long standing production partners.”

As part of the B Corp certification process, every aspect of BC SoftWear has been assessed, from how its products are made to how the company supports its team and the customers it serves across hospitality and spa. A score of 80 qualifies a company for B Corp Certification; BC SoftWear achieved a record high of 118 points.

Nobu Hospitality TO LAUNCH HOTEL, RESTAURANT AND RESIDENCES ACROSS 185 ACRES IN RUTLAND, ENGLAND

Nobu Hospitality is pleased to announce plans for a distinctive new destination in partnership with Woolfox, marking the arrival of a Nobu hotel, restaurant, and a collection of branded residences set within 185 acres of England’s most picturesque countryside.

Set in the heart of Rutland, near the Georgian town of Stamford, the project represents the first-of-its-kind concept for the Nobu Hospitality portfolio -a countryside escape shaped by nature, space and a slower pace of living.

Bringing together Nobu’s signature blend of luxury hospitality, worldclass dining and refined living, the development will offer members, guests and residents the opportunity to disconnect from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with the landscape, seasons and the restorative power of the outdoors, while signalling a thoughtful evolution of the brand into refined countryside retreats.

The Nobu Woolfox development will feature lake view rooms and suites, a signature Nobu restaurant and bar, curated food and beverage spaces, spa, alongside a collection of branded residences, creating a new luxury lifestyle destination in the English countryside.

Plans also include extensive wellness and leisure amenities, with a dedicated spa, swimming pool and gym, as well as landscaped grounds designed to make the most of Woolfox’s setting.

Nobu Woolfox will be positioned as a destination and members club, offering a distinctive countryside setting with convenient accessibility.

Rutland has become an increasingly sought-after destination, known for its unspoilt landscapes, historic English villages and market towns, with outdoor pursuits centred around Rutland Water, one of the largest manmade reservoirs in Europe.

With direct access to scenic walking and cycling trails, along with sailing, water sports and fly fishing, the area offers a rich connection to the outdoors, while nearby Stamford and Burghley House further enhance its appeal as a year-round destination. Centrally located, Woolfox is within approximately one to two hours of major cities including London, Cambridge, Birmingham and Manchester, offering both a sense of countryside escape and convenient access to key commercial and cultural centres.

The project reflects continued demand for experience-led destinations that combine hospitality, wellness, dining and living in unique settings.

With this new development, Nobu Hospitality and Woolfox aim to introduce a new expression of the Nobu Lifestyle – one defined not by the energy of a city, but by the quiet luxury of the countryside.

NORÐURFLUG: ICELAND’S PREMIER HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE

For discerning travelers seeking the extraordinary, Norðurflug stands as Iceland’s leading helicopter tour provider, offering an unmatched gateway to the island’s breathtaking beauty. With the largest fleet, the most experienced team, and a reputation for personalized service, Norðurflug elevates luxury travel above the clouds—literally.

A Journey Beyond the Ordinary

Imagine soaring above Reykjavik’s vibrant cityscape, the golden hues of geothermal fields, or the dramatic contours of Iceland’s volcanic heartland. Norðurflug’s diverse range of tours invites guests to discover the country’s

wonders from a privileged perspective— where every flight is tailored for awe and adventure. Whether it’s a city sights tour, a Golden Circle adventure, or a custom private charter, each journey is meticulously crafted to suit the desires of luxury travelers.

Experience and Safety at the Forefront

What sets Norðurflug apart is not just its expansive fleet, but the depth of expertise behind every flight. The company’s pilots boast between one and eight years of professional flying experience, combining technical excellence with a passion for Iceland’s landscapes. Safety is paramount; Norðurflug’s impeccable record and rigorous standards provide guests with complete peace of mind, allowing them to relax and immerse themselves in the experience.

Personalized Service, Unforgettable Memories

Luxury is personal, and Norðurflug’s approach reflects this ethos. From the initial inquiry to the final touchdown, guests are welcomed with warmth and professionalism. The team’s attention to detail ensures that each tour—whether a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a corporate event—is seamless, memorable, and tailored to individual preferences. Flexible tour options and bespoke charters mean that no request is too ambitious; Norðurflug delights in exceeding expectations.

The Ultimate Way to See Iceland

In a destination renowned for its raw beauty and dramatic contrasts, Norðurflug offers the ultimate vantage point. Guests consistently describe their flights as “unforgettable” and “the best way to see Iceland’s beauty.” The company’s commitment to excellence, safety, and service has earned it a loyal following among luxury travelers and industry partners alike.

For those seeking to elevate their Icelandic adventure, Norðurflug delivers not just a tour, but a transformative experience—one that lingers long after the helicopter’s rotors have stilled.

Discover more or book your exclusive Icelandic helicopter journey at Norðurflug.

CONSCIOUS LEADERSHIP IN HOSPITALITY: LESSONS FROM NATACHA FAZAL-KARIM ON BUILDING PURPOSE-LED TEAMS

AND

PLACES

In hospitality, leadership is often associated with growth, visibility, and scale. For me, leadership has always meant something more intentional. It is about creating places where people, land, and purpose remain deeply connected. When hospitality is guided by values rather than trends, it has the power to shape experiences that are meaningful for guests, teams, and the environment alike.

My journey in Tuscany began with the restoration of Locanda Le Piazze in 2013, a historic farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves between Siena and Florence. What started as a luxurious eco-friendly boutique hotel soon became the foundation for a broader philosophy. I began to see hospitality as an ecosystem where wellbeing, sustainability, gastronomy, and land stewardship must work together in harmony.

Over time, this vision expanded into a collection of places across Chianti, including One Belvedere Tuscany,

Belvedere1 Winery, QB Cucina, and Tavola di Guido. Each property expresses the same principle. Luxury should be rooted in authenticity, respect for nature, and thoughtful human connection.

Leadership Begins with Place

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that leadership in hospitality begins with place. The land is not simply a backdrop for the guest experience. It is the foundation that shapes how a property lives and evolves.

At One Belvedere Tuscany, the surrounding landscape defines the rhythm of the retreat. Set among vineyards, forests, and rolling hills, the estate was designed as a guest only sanctuary where mindfulness and slow living are part of everyday life. Guests are encouraged to reconnect with nature through quiet walks, meditation, and moments of stillness overlooking the Chianti countryside.

When hospitality is designed around the environment rather than imposed upon it, wellbeing becomes a natural outcome. Guests begin to slow down, breathe more deeply, and reconnect with themselves. For the team, this connection to the land creates a shared sense of purpose that influences how we work together.

Building Purpose-Led Teams

Luxury hospitality is often defined by service excellence, but excellence must begin with meaning. Teams perform at their best when they understand the purpose behind their work.

At Belvedere1 Winery, our team works closely with the land through regenerative farming practices that protect soil health and biodiversity. This approach requires patience and discipline, yet it produces wines that genuinely reflect the character of Chianti Classico.

Our culinary philosophy at QB Cucina follows the same principles. Seasonal ingredients, local sourcing, and mindful preparation shape a menu that celebrates the simplicity and integrity of Tuscan cuisine. Food becomes more than a meal. It becomes part of a wider philosophy of wellbeing and sustainability.

When teams understand the deeper intention behind these choices, their work gains meaning. Guests sense this authenticity immediately. Hospitality becomes more than service. It becomes care.

Wellness at Locanda Le Piazze

The philosophy of wellbeing is expressed in a more intimate way at Locanda Le Piazze. The boutique hotel blends Tuscan heritage with eco conscious hospitality, offering guests a space where calm and authenticity come naturally.

Within the property, AnaiSpa offers a sanctuary dedicated to restoration and balance. Treatments are designed to encourage relaxation through touch, atmosphere, and thoughtful rituals that draw inspiration from natural elements and holistic therapies.

Our spa manager Anna believes the environment plays a central role in the healing process.

“True relaxation cannot be rushed,” she explains. “When guests feel calm, supported, and connected to the surroundings, the body naturally begins to restore itself.”

Her approach reflects the philosophy that wellness is not about excess. It is about presence, care, and attention to the needs of each guest.

Hospitality as a Living Ecosystem

Across all of these places I see hospitality as a living ecosystem. One Belvedere Tuscany invites guests into a mindful retreat connected to the land. Locanda Le Piazze offers intimate hospitality rooted in heritage and wellbeing. Belvedere1 Winery reflects the character of the soil and the discipline of regenerative farming. QB Cucina and Tavola di Guido celebrate seasonal gastronomy shaped by thoughtful sourcing.

Each element supports the others. Together they create a holistic experience where wellbeing is present in the landscape, the food, the spaces, and the people who bring these places to life.

Leadership as Stewardship

For me, conscious leadership in hospitality is ultimately about stewardship. We are temporary caretakers of landscapes, traditions, and communities that will continue long after us. Our responsibility is to protect their integrity while creating experiences that enrich those who visit.

This requires patience and long term thinking. It also requires building teams who share the same values and who understand the purpose behind their work.

When hospitality is guided by intention, it becomes something deeper than luxury. It becomes a way of caring for the land, supporting people, and creating places where guests can reconnect with what truly matters.

In the quiet hills of Chianti, this philosophy continues to shape every decision we make and every experience we create.

Connect with Natacha Fazal-Karim on LinkedIn to follow her work in regenerative hospitality and conscious leadership.

THE HIDDEN ENGINE OF LUXURY: WHY HOUSEKEEPING RELIABILITY MATTERS

By Sybron Sales & Marketing Director, George Mason

All luxury establishments are different, even within the same ownership and each has different requirements.

One thing is constant, however, and that is the need for reliability. At Sybron we always advise customers that although housekeeping is a small cost-centre, it is very valuable with high impact and needs to run like clockwork in the background. To guarantee this smooth service, operators must work with reliable suppliers. This is the most crucial aspect of the cleaning regime for every hospitality establishment – there must be robust systems throughout the whole housekeeping process, including reliable deliveries, stockkeeping, effective cleaning routines and the best products for the job. The right partner will ensure this important function operates seamlessly, allowing hospitality businesses to focus on their guests. A partner must be responsive and able to procure any new items you need.

At Sybron, we work hard to help hotels and restaurants deliver the luxury experience their guests expect when they visit - for our clients to deliver a top-quality service, suppliers must do the same.

We care about our customers and have robust systems in place - for us, it’s not just about quality products, it’s quality service that counts too. Operators should also ensure first-class, on-going support from suppliers to make sure their hygiene systems perform well and suppliers must be proactive when things go wrong. This support can be delivered by telephone

“ “

Rather than cheap and cheerful products, hospitality businesses should use the latest in product development and that’s bio-technology based products.

when customers can problem-solve themselves and with on-site visits for more complex issues. Online training, ensuring that all COSHH requirements are adhered to, is also attractive to operators as new staff can receive training even before stepping foot on the premises.

Efficiency and powerful products are key factors too - it is important to use a range of cleaning products you trust to do the job quickly and efficiently. Operatives find it beneficial to use a multi-purpose product, eg one surface cleaner where possible. This speeds up the process, saving valuable time. Rather than cheap and cheerful products, hospitality businesses should use the latest in product development and that’s bio-technology based products.

SyBio, a range of highly concentrated cleaners and detergents, is a gold standard sustainable cleaning solution and has 30x more actives vs other biotechnology products on the market, but overall bio-technology based products are more powerful, providing superior results and give a longer lasting clean from residual cleaning.

Sybron provides customers with a controlled dispensing system for SyBio, guaranteeing the correct amount of product is used. This dosage delivers the right level of cleaning - too little does not clean properly and too much can cause other issues.

Residual cleaning is a layer of good and friendly bacteria which remains on the surface after cleaning and continues to break down dirt. Surfaces remain cleaner for longer - for up to 30 days - allowing operatives to do their jobs more quickly and consistently.

COST TO UK HOSPITALITY OF LINENS RUINED BY FAKE TAN RISES TO £2.2 M

Kärcher UK UNVEILS THE K-MOP 46, BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN MOP AND MACHINE CLEANING

Kärcher UK, the leading cleaning provider, is proud to introduce the K-Mop 46, a lightweight and highly maneuverable scrubber dryer designed to transform floor cleaning in compact, high traffic and heavily cluttered spaces. Bridging the gap between a traditional mop and a professional scrubber dryer, the K-Mop 46 delivers a thoughtfully engineered, high performance solution, providing superior cleaning power with minimal physical effort for operators and market-leading ergonomics.

Developed with both efficiency and user wellbeing in mind, the K-Mop 46 features a 46cm cleaning width and an upright ergonomic design, that

supports natural posture to help reduce physical strain. Designed by ergonomic experts, the product is complemented by the height adjustable handle, marking an industry first for products of this kind. This key feature helps users work comfortably at their own height without compromising safety: something which is critical in heavy duty cleaning environments where awkward repetitive movements can lead to injury.

The K-Mop 46 combines practical engineering with features designed for real-world cleaning environments. Its balanced design ensures even weight distribution, with fresh water flowing from the 4-litre tank located on the handle down into the machine’s

The fake tan craze, as more people of all genders opt for bronzed bodies, now means an estimated 25% of substandard linen from UK hotels is being binned due to tanning stains.

Linen revival company Regenex reports that a quarter of bedding and towels it receives for treatment is marked by self tan.

Sustained demand for year-round sunless colour remains a headache for hotel and holiday let housekeeping.

Despite the increased sophistication of product formulations, commercial laundry processes tend to ‘bake in’ stains to white bedding and towels, meaning issues continue to worsen.

Analysts predict the value of the global self-tan market will hit £746.3m next year after growing by a steady 4.3% annually. Britain accounts for 15.3% of this market and a particular growth area is products for men, as an interest in grooming and skincare rises.

system, supporting stable handling and consistent performance during use.

What’s more, the tanks are easy to remove, allowing them to be fully emptied and rinsed. Thanks to the residual emptying function, the inner walls of the tank dry well, which is essential for meeting strict hygiene requirements, especially in the healthcare sector. Additional features allow detergent to be carried in a dedicated holder, so they can be topped up when needed on larger cleaning operations.

Designed for efficiency, the machine features intuitive controls, a clear runtime display, and adjustable settings that allow operators to work quickly and confidently. It includes an LED ring status system with colour-coded indicators to signify information such as eco mode, water levels, and battery status. This supports operational needs through a language-neutral, userfriendly design suitable for all users.

In addition, an optional working light can be used, helping operators maintain visibility in low-lit areas such as warehouses and storage spaces.

Back in 2023, Regenex calculated the cost of fake tan to UK hospitality was £1.8m in ruined linens – and this is now more than £2m in 2026.

Regenex’s technical director, Paul Hamilton, explains: “When Regenex first highlighted this figure, grabbing the attention of national media including ITV Good Morning Britain, the broadcast show debated, should there be a fake tan tax?

“Crazy as this sounds, a surcharge could be good idea – in the same way that guests pay extra for bringing their dogs on holiday, though it could be much harder to enforce.”

When self tanning, the same type of reaction occurs to human skin as during the baking and roasting of meat. Fake tan or self-tan is typically manufactured with 1% dye, a significant concentration of colour. Dyes are usually synthetic and derived from petrochemicals.

While putting brown-tinged sheets in the washing machine at home can successfully remove the colour, commercial laundry processes cannot help but ‘fix’ the stains meaning repeated washings do not remove them.

Powered by a 36V battery from Kärcher’s Battery Universe system, it delivers reliable performance for demanding cleaning tasks. The battery housing protects against impact, dust, and spray water in line with protection class IPX5, making it suitable for even the toughest environments.

James Carroll, Senior Product Manager at Kärcher UK, commented: “With the launch of our new K-Mop, we’re giving operators a smarter, more efficient and more ergonomic way to tackle demanding cleaning environments.

“It delivers the power needed for industrial settings while making day-to-day use simpler, safer and less physically demanding. Ultimately, it’s about helping our customers maintain high hygiene standards without compromising on ease of use.”

The introduction of the K-Mop 46 forms part of Kärcher’s ongoing commitment to advancing professional cleaning through thoughtful design and engineering. Designed to integrate

Paul continues: “In 2023 we estimated that a fifth of the linens we processed were discoloured by fake tan. That proportion is now nearer a quarter, meaning that the cost to the industry has risen to £2.2m.

“With outgoings for laundries rising across the board, from labour to replacement linen and utility bills, owners and managers are thinking harder about how they can minimise the impact of wrecked sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases and towels.”

Regenex processes stained and discoloured linen for many laundries across the UK, returning good items to stock that would otherwise have been condemned to rag or landfill.

The company also provides overdyeing services for the minority of textiles for which staining is too heavy to be successfully removed.

Using gentle multi-bath processes and recycling and recirculating hot water on site, Regenex treatment is helping hospitality brands to save money and minimise their carbon emissions.

The Textile Services Association estimates 2,000 tonnes of linen is discarded every year and 56% of all linen in commercial laundry systems is from the hospitality industry.

“When Regenex first highlighted this figure, grabbing the attention of national media including ITV Good Morning Britain, the broadcast show debated, should there be a fake tan tax? Crazy as this sounds, a surcharge could be good idea – in the same way that guests pay extra for bringing their dogs on holiday, though it could be much harder to enforce.”

Ruined linen typically processed by Regenex indicates that a quarter of the 1,120 tonnes of linen binned annually by hotels and holiday lets – totalling 280 tonnes – are marked with fake tan.

As new, good quality hospitality linen typically costs £8 per kilo, that’s a cost to the industry of £2.24m – the volume equivalent of 250,000 sheets.

seamlessly into wider cleaning operations, the machine can be fitted with suitable brackets for use alongside the Kärcher’s Flexomate cleaning trolley.

By prioritising usability and environmental responsibility, Kärcher

continues to develop solutions that enable businesses to operate more efficiently while supporting healthier working environments.

For more information, visit Kärcher’s website Kärcher Official Website | Kärcher UK for more details.

CRUISE INTERIORS AT SCALE: MANAGING

COMPLEXITY THROUGH DESIGN

Cruising is now one of the most dynamic sectors in global hospitality, shaped by shifting traveller expectations, new audiences, and an increasingly diverse range of experiences.

Industry insight from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), alongside recent travel industry reports, points to sustained growth, driven by both first-time cruisers and strong repeat demand. Multi-generational travel continues to rise, while younger audiences are increasingly engaged, drawn by the breadth of experiences available on board. Operators are already seeing this shift in real terms, with Royal Caribbean reporting a notable increase in Gen Z guests year on year.

This evolution is not just changing who cruises, but how ships are designed.

Today’s ships are more akin to a resort, incorporating distinct spaces. Within one vessel, designers are asked to create a wide range of experiences, from lively, family-led areas to quieter, more refined settings. The challenge lies in delivering that variety while maintaining a sense of cohesion.

Royal Caribbean International’s Star of the Seas reflects this scale. Spanning 20 decks and accommodating more than 5,600 guests, it brings together multiple neighbourhoods, each with its own identity. The result is not one design story, but many, carefully balanced within a single ship.

Within this environment, flooring plays a critical role. It supports wayfinding, defines spaces and contributes to how each area is experienced, both visually and practically.

Ulster Carpets’ approach to Star of the Seas responds directly to this complexity. A series of bespoke Axminster carpets were developed to reflect the character of individual spaces, from the energy of

family zones such as Adventure Ocean to the sophistication of the Schooner Bar.

Each interior scheme is tailored to create a sense of place. The creative expertise lies in how these individual designs work together, to create a coherent experience across the ship without losing their distinct identity.

Delivering this level of design variation at scale requires a deep understanding of Axminster design. Working alongside Royal Caribbean International and Meyer Turku shipyard, Ulster coordinated the design development and planning of each area. By sequencing deliveries to the dry dock in Finland, Ulster’s team ensured the complex fit-out remained on schedule.

Looking ahead, continued investment in new ships and evolving guest expectations will only increase this level of complexity. As cruise operators continue to redefine what a ship can offer, the role of considered, wellplanned design becomes even more important.

For Ulster, it is more than designing Axminster carpets, it’s about supporting spaces that endure and instil a sense of place.

onefifty fenchurch: NEW

BOUTIQUE APARTHOTEL OPENS IN THE CITY OF LONDON

Thackeray Group has opened onefifty fenchurch, a 33-apartment independent luxury aparthotel in the City of London, operated by Vertiq Hospitality Partners. The property marks the Group’s entry into the hospitality sector and caters to growing interest in high-end extended stays within the Square Mile.

The opening follows a 24-month, £12 million conversion of a former early2000s office building into a luxury aparthotel, reflecting a broader shift within the City towards flexible, designled accommodation aligned with evolving patterns of work, travel and longer stays.

“onefifty fenchurch represents a natural evolution for Thackeray Group,” said Brett Palos, Chairman and co-founder of Thackeray Group. “Across our developments, we’ve always focused on creating spaces that support how people live and work, with wellbeing at the centre. With onefifty fenchurch, we’ve applied that same thinking to hospitality, creating a luxurious aparthotel that prioritises comfort, balance and quality

of experience. Partnering with Vertiq Hospitality Partners ensures the hotel is underpinned by the operational expertise needed to deliver that vision from day one.”

Located at 150 Fenchurch Street, the aparthotel occupies a highly connected City address, placing guests at the centre of London’s financial district, moments from Fenchurch Street Station, Tower Hill and key transport links.

Apartments

onefifty fenchurch offers 33 contemporary apartments designed for modern city living and shorter and longer stays in the heart of the Square Mile. Calm and residential in feel, each apartment provides a refined base for guests living, visiting, and working in the City.

Accommodation includes Queen and King Studios and One Bedroom Apartments, with select City View and accessible options, ranging from approximately 17-31 square metres. All apartments feature fully equipped kitchenettes, walk-in showers, highquality Egyptian cotton linen and towels, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, alongside practical in-room amenities such as air conditioning, blackout curtains and flat-screen smart TVs.

Bathrooms are stocked with Bamford’s elevated bath and body amenities, adding a considered wellness element to the in-room experience. A discreet 24-hour front office and fob-controlled access provide wraparound reassurance and privacy, with concierge support and housekeeping available on request.

Shared spaces

Shared facilities have been designed to support both wellbeing and productivity. These include a boutique gym fitted with a Peloton treadmill, a dedicated yoga and Pilates studio equipped with Alo Yoga mats and accessories, and a small number of quiet, private work studios for focused calls or online meetings away from guest apartments.

A communal lounge and an artisanal pantry provide relaxed spaces to pause, recharge or work throughout the day, reinforcing onefifty fenchurch’s balance of independence and service.

Concept and design

onefifty fenchurch sets a new standard for aparthotel living in London’s Square Mile, combining the comfort and autonomy of apartment living with the service of a boutique hotel.

Architecture was led by Falconer Chester Hall, with interiors by Studio Mark Andrew. Together, the teams have created a distinctly residential feel, focusing on comfort, quality finishes and thoughtful detailing to deliver interiors that feel refined and timeless.

The aparthotel offers spaces designed to balance the demands of City life. Dedicated wellness areas, shared lounges and private workspaces support both productivity and wellbeing, allowing guests to live, work and unwind in refined surroundings throughout their stay.

24 Stories DOWNSTAIRS BAR

WILL BECOME Stories Tavern

THE EVOLV COLLECTION EXPANDS TAVERN BRAND WITH TWO NEW OPENINGS ACROSS BIRMINGHAM AND NEW YORK

Multi-award-winning hospitality group The Evolv Collection, led by CEO Martin Williams and founded by the late Sir Terence Conran, has expanded its Chop House & Tavern brand with two landmark openings: Stories Tavern in Birmingham opened on 27th April 2026 and Queens Tavern in New York’s Hudson Yards opened on 4th May 2026, bringing a taste of London’s tavern culture to America for the first time.

The announcements follow the acclaimed launches of Liverpool Street Chop House & Tavern and Paternoster Tavern in London’s St Paul’s district, cementing the Tavern concept as one of Britain’s most exciting hospitality propositions.

At the heart of every Tavern is a commitment to making quality beer genuinely accessible. All Tavern venues serve £5 pints all day, every day, including lager, IPA and Guinness, served in traditional tankards.

Martin Williams, CEO of The Evolv Collection, said: “We started with a simple idea, bring the £5 pint back to British cities. The Tavern concept has been extremely well received in

London and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests in both Birmingham and New York to experience our reimagination of our founder’s vision. It’s a really exciting next step in the evolution of The Evolv Collection.”

Following the launch of 24 Stories (formerly Orelle), The Evolv Collection will transform the venue’s downstairs bar into Stories Tavern.

Taking inspiration from original 17th and 18th century taverns, Stories Tavern will become a cosy, convivial space for after-work drinks, casual catchups, or a final round before the train home. Designed in partnership with historian Ron Cregan, known for his work with British heritage brands Mulberry and The Maybourne Group, the space will feature dark wood pallets, a deep red and blue colour scheme, elegant brass and gold detailing, and walls adorned with nautical and historical flags alongside antique prints.

Stories Tavern will also be home to a new outdoor terrace, providing the perfect spot for enjoying a drink whatever the weather.

Richard Chiswell, General Manager at 24 Stories, said:

“We’re delighted that 24 Stories has been chosen as the latest destination in the Tavern family, giving our guests more reasons to come and visit us, whether it’s for an after-work drink or catchup in the Tavern, or joining us for a cocktail or dinner with a view upstairs in the restaurant.”

Queens Tavern at 20 Hudson Yards, New York, will open the same week as Stories Tavern, marking The Evolv Collection’s first Tavern outside the United Kingdom and bringing a genuine taste of London’s tavern tradition to New York City. Part of the Chop House & Tavern brand, Queens Tavern will offer the same commitment to quality, accessibility and conviviality that has defined the concept since its Liverpool Street debut.

Stories Tavern and Queens Tavern join an established and growing Tavern family: Liverpool Street Chop House & Tavern and Paternoster Tavern in London’s St Paul’s district. Together, the four venues form a distinctive brand architecture within The Evolv Collection, offering the same dedication to quality British produce and craft as the Chop House restaurants, but in a relaxed, pubstyle atmosphere built for spontaneous celebration.

Williams added: “Think of the Taverns as the little brothers of our Chop Houses.They capture the same spirit of conviviality and heritage, but with a lighter touch, perfect for a pint and a bite, or an evening that might turn into something more.”

Honouring The Evolv Collection founder Sir Terence Conran’s original vision of celebrating London’s heritage, the Tavern brand was created to provide accessible, welcoming drinking destinations rooted in British tradition.

WINTERHALTER’S PT SETS THE GOLD STANDARD IN GREEN CLEANING

The right equipment improves sustainability while saving money

Winterhalter’s Pass through Workhorse dishwashers feature upgrades and innovations that reduce energy and water consumption, as well as enhancing usability, reliability and sustainability.

The latest PT Series includes a range of features designed to reduce energy and water usage without compromising wash quality.

The PT’s EnergyLight heat recovery system recycles heat from the wash water, reducing energy consumption by up to 10%. Additionally, the EnergyPlus air heat recovery system, recycles steam generated during washing to heat incoming water.

For ultimate energy saving, the PT ClimatePlus heat pump slashes energy consumption by 53%, whilst acting as an air conditioner.

Alongside its market-leading dish washers and glass washers, the company’s range includes utensil washers, advanced water treatment machines, and cleaning detergents and rinse aids.

For further details, call Winterhalter on 01908 359000, visit winterhalter.com/uk-en or email info@winterhalter.co.uk.

Synergy - The Retreat Show UNVEILS 2026 THEME ‘The Healing Power of Nature’, SIGNALLING SHIFT

TOWARD NATURE-LED WELLNESS TRAVEL

Nature-based wellness travel is redefining the industry’s future, and Synergy - The Retreat Show has placed it firmly at the centre of its 2026 vision.

Taking place in Istria, Croatia from 29 September to 2 October 2026, the three day event will bring together retreat leaders, practitioners, travel advisors, bespoke properties and leading wellness brands to explore how nature can be embedded into retreat programming, guest experience and commercial strategy.

Unveiling “The Healing Power of Nature” as its central theme this year, the world’s only international trade show dedicated exclusively to wellness travel and the retreat sector highlights a clear shift in the industry, away from highly structured, outcome driven programmes and toward something more fundamental, time in nature as the foundation of the wellness experience.

At the heart of this shift is a growing recognition that nature is not simply a setting, but an active agent in wellbeing, one that operates across biology, psychology and human connection. Increasingly, industry leaders are not only observing this change, but designing around it.

The science underpinning nature based wellness is now well established.

Studies published in Frontiers in Psychology (2019) show that as little as 20 minutes in a natural environment can significantly reduce cortisol levels, while the World Health Organisation has highlighted the role of green spaces in supporting mental and physical health. Beyond this, nature is increasingly understood to support something more foundational, nervous system regulation.

Jessica Brainch, Registered Psychologist and Founder of Find Your Wild, explains:

“We cannot be well if our systems do not know how to experience safety. It is always step one. With guidance, and with wild spaces as our companion, guests have the opportunity to invite

a

state of regulation into their nervous systems.”

She adds: “Spending time with nature brings us into the ecosystem in which we are designed to belong. When we are with nature, our systems respond to this inescapable and intimate relationship.”

This shift is also being shaped by modern lifestyles. As digital overload

increases, research shows that disconnection from highly stimulating environments supports reconnection to clarity, with time in nature linked to improvements in memory and cognitive function.

Adventure is emerging as a key part of this evolution. Laura Montesanti, Founder and Managing Director of Synergy - The Retreat Show, said: “Adventure and ‘freedom retreats’ are surging; journeys that blend movement, nature, and self-discovery, tapping into our deep need to feel alive and untethered.There’s a growing understanding that true transformation happens when we step outside our comfort zones. Adventure has become a catalyst for healing, an invitation to push beyond our comfort zone, reconnect with our instincts and rediscover the power within.”

This evolution is reflected in the design of nature-based wellness programmes, which are moving away from rigid itineraries towards more intuitive, accessible formats. Experiences such as horse-riding retreats, openair breathwork and meditation, explorative journeys in remote or lesser travelled destinations, and outdoor contrast therapy and grounding practices are becoming increasingly prominent across the sector.

Alongside its experiential value, naturebased wellness presents a significant commercial opportunity. The Global Wellness Institute estimates wellness tourism expenditures reached nearly $894 billion in 2024, reflecting growing demand for travel experiences linked to wellbeing. Nature-led offerings often require less built infrastructure while delivering high perceived value and experiences.

With “The Healing Power of Nature” as its defining theme, Synergy 2026 reflects a broader industry evolution already underway, one that moves wellness beyond structured programmes and towards something more instinctive, grounded and fundamentally human.

To learn more about Synergy - The Retreat Show and to join this year’s event, visit theretreatshow.com

THE LADDER HAS BEEN AROUND FOR OVER 150 YEARS. IT’S TIME FOR A NEW WAY TO WORK AT HEIGHT IN HOSPITALITY SPACES

says

Richard Puglia, JLG Sales and Business Development Director EMEAI

Henry Ford is famously quoted as saying: ‘If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.’

The motor car pioneer had an unshakable belief in innovation, and its power to make people’s lives better. And his words still inspire those of us who work in industrial design today, to find ideas with the power to introduce design approaches focused on performance, safety and convenience to the world.

JLG’s recently launched elevation device, LiftPod, is doing just that for publicfacing companies in which staff work at height – in particular for hotel, restaurant and hospitality operators.

In my industry, I have seen huge health and safety improvements for working at height in industrial and construction environments over the years. Until now, the same can’t be said for indoor environments and people working at heights of 4 metres and below, including those who maintain hospitality spaces.

In busy hotel and restaurant environments, the customer experience is everything. Fixtures and fittings are of a high spec and require meticulous care. There needs to be minimal disruption to guests, in rooms, lobbies and public spaces. Maintenance must be carried out with efficiency and discretion - from quick fixes to in-room air conditioning and

lighting, to complex longer jobs working on higher-level displays and luxury design fixtures.

Often ladders are the only solution, hauled out from the maintenance cupboard, climbed, balanced upon and sometimes requiring two people for certain tasks, to fulfil the essential job of keeping hotels and restaurants smart, safe, clean and well-lit for staff and customers. Alternatively, industrial scale platforms requiring power, space and a

trained team to operate are deployed, which may impact daily operations and the customer experience, or require teams to schedule tasks out of hours.

The commercial world has operated like this for decades.

But we live in a different world today. People come first, and employers are serious about their health and safety responsibilities. Addressing the risk of staff falls, injuries and strains due to poor positioning is an urgent priority. As is tackling the financial implications of delaying jobs, staff absences due to injury, disrupting operations and powering and maintaining bulky equipment.

JLG’s LiftPod is leading an exciting transformation. It’s an innovative Quick Fold Lift that is designed to offer an alternative to ladders and podiums; compact, foldable, lightweight, intuitive and easy to use –with an ergonomic design that’s a match for even the most luxurious design scheme.

LiftPod offers benefit to hospitality businesses. It is designed to support safer working practices when working at height and to support workplace safety initiatives and wellbeing. It is also engineered to support cost and resource efficiencies, with no charging or power requirements.

If your maintenance team hasn’t changed the way it works at height for years, there has never been a better time for a rethink – and to consider solutions designed to help reduce risk and support maintenance teams in working more efficiently.

To find out more about LiftPod please contact Richard Puglia at rfpuglia@jlg.com www.jlg.com/en-gb/liftpods

LinkedIn: JLG Industries

WI-Q: ONE PLATFORM, EVERY GUEST TOUCHPOINT

Today's luxury hotel guest arrives with high expectations — and a smartphone in their hand. They've booked via an app, navigated their way with one, and they'll leave a review on one.

The question is no longer whether your hotel should meet guests in the digital space, it's whether your technology is sophisticated enough to do it seamlessly.

For too many hotel operators, the answer is a patchwork of separate systems: one for room service, another for the guest directory, a third for F&B across the venue. Each adds operational complexity, training overhead, and friction — for staff and guests alike.

wi-Q was built to change that.

A single, elegant platform, wi-Q consolidates mobile ordering, payments, guest communications and F&B operations into one integrated solution

that works quietly in the background — so your teams can focus on what they do best.

Guests simply scan a QR code on their own device to access everything: multilingual F&B menus (available in over 27 languages), detailed dish information including calories, allergens and dietary filters, seamless ordering with preferred payment methods or room charge, and a full Guest Directory covering checkout times, spa bookings, Wi-Fi details and housekeeping requests — all in one place.

Because wi-Q integrates directly with your existing PoS, there's no duplication of effort and no disconnected data. Orders flow straight through; staff are freed from fielding avoidable calls and chasing down orders from guests in farflung areas of your property; and guests get the frictionless experience they expect from a luxury stay.

The results speak for themselves. wi-Q's hotel partners report an average increase in order volume of 35%, a rise in average order value of up to 30% — driven by intelligent, contextual upsells throughout the guest journey — and staff cost savings of up to 40%.

Guest satisfaction scores improve most noticeably in outdoor settings, where

the simple act of scanning and ordering eliminates one of hospitality's most persistent pain points: trying to flag down a server at the pool.

The more touchpoints wi-Q is deployed across — rooms, restaurants, bars, poolside — the more intuitive it becomes for guests, and the stronger the commercial return for operators.

It's a compounding effect that makes the platform as valuable in year three as it is on day one.

At wi-Q, we believe that great hospitality technology should be invisible to guests and indispensable to operators. One platform. No complexity. Just a better experience, everywhere.

Ready to see it in action? Book a demo with the wi-Q team today. Visit: www.wi-q.com/luxuryhospitality-magazine-form

Cendyn CAPTURES HIGH-INTENT DEMAND WITH META HOTEL ADS

With social media dominating travel planning, Meta Hotel Ads in Cendyn DMP enable hotels and resorts to drive direct bookings from high-intent travelers across key channels and apps.

Cendyn, a global integrated hotel technology and services company, doubles down on high-intent travelers with the launch of Meta Hotel Ads in Cendyn‘s Digital Marketing Platform (DMP) portfolio of channels.

Targeted hotel marketing can now be increasingly more precise across all Meta platforms in this addition to the Cendyn portfolio. This new channel enables hotels to reach high-intent travelers across Meta platforms, promoting real-time rates and availability with AIpowered targeting, while centralizing campaign management through a single platform with ARI connectivity to 150+ leading providers.

According to a recent report from Hotelagio, 83% of travelers turned to social media for travel inspiration and planning in 2025. For hotels and resorts, this means visibility on Meta is now an integral part of the guest journey. With Meta Hotel Ads in Cendyn DMP, hoteliers can turn social inspiration into direct bookings with dynamic ads that put your offers and real-time rates, pricing and availability where travelers are scrolling across Meta platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Audience Network (mobile app inventory). Hotels can drive bookings either directly on Meta or via their own booking engine, competing effectively with OTAs.

With live hotel feeds and AI-powered targeting, hotels can effectively transform Meta into a powerful channel to capture travelers at the crucial moment in their planning journey. And combined with Cendyn’s recent AI Connect integration, linking hotel rates directly to AI-powered search,

hoteliers have unprecedented control and intelligence over digital marketing efforts.

Effectively managing this level of complexity demands a centralized and unified approach, which is why Cendyn DMP simplifies performance-driven marketing and reporting by allowing users to build, manage, and optimize their Meta Hotel Ads alongside any other paid media campaigns (including Metasearch, Performance Max for Travel Goals, Google Search Ads, and Display Ads) in a single, centralized location.

IRIS PARTNERS WITH Global Hotel Alliance TO BRING MOBILE ORDERING AND DIGITAL GUEST EXPERIENCES TO HOTEL BRANDS WORLDWIDE

IRIS, the global market leader in digital F&B and guest experience solutions for hotels, announced its strategic partnership with Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of hotel brands representing over 50 brands in 100 countries.

Under the new agreement, GHA hotel brands will have access to IRIS’

digital F&B ordering, Guest Directory and Mobile Concierge platform that enables hotels of all sizes to increase ancillary revenue, enhance the guest experience and improve operational efficiency.

As guest demand for mobile ordering accelerates, IRIS’s offer to GHA’s member hotels is a flexible and

convenient 24/7 digital experience for guests and staff, whilst empowering operators to unlock new revenue streams without increasing labour demands or operational complexity.

With the ability to scale on demand and implement a unified, multi-lingual platform across groups and multibrand portfolios, IRIS makes it easier and faster for guests to browse, order and pay for items and services across multiple outlets. Its suite of solutions addresses the current challenges of low F&B spend, time-consuming manual ordering, staff constraints and service friction, as well as increasing guest expectations for a contactless experience.

As part of the new partnership, which is effective immediately, IRIS’s platform is available for integration with GHA’s global portfolio, providing the framework for member hotels to execute and deploy these digital solutions within their own operations.

SiteMinder OPENS HOTEL DISTRIBUTION TO THE AI ERA

SiteMinder, the world’s leading hotel commerce platform, today announced new platform capabilities and partnerships designed to extend hotel distribution into the AI era.

Connecting 53,000 hotels across 150 countries to the channels where travellers search and book accommodation, SiteMinder is expanding its platform to support AI-driven direct booking and AI-powered online travel agency (OTA) pathways. The announcement reflects SiteMinder’s focus on helping hotels remain visible, competitive and bookable as AI becomes a larger part of travel planning and purchasing. DirectBooker is announced today as the inaugural AI demand partner.

SiteMinder is achieving this through two platform expansions.

First, Demand Plus, SiteMinder’s demand generation solution across Google, Trivago and TripAdvisor, is being extended

HOSPITALITY SECTOR’S APP REVOLUTION IS ACCELERATING

Lolly RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS THAT ALMOST TWO-THIRDS OF PROVIDERS ARE MAKING A SHIFT TOWARDS APPS

Hospitality in the UK is evolving rapidly, with digital technology becoming increasingly central to the guest experience. New research from Lolly shows that almost two-thirds (63%) of hospitality providers have reported increased use of mobile and app payments among their customers.

The findings reflect growing consumer demand for seamless digital interactions, as hospitality businesses across QSR, restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels adapt to a more mobile-first customer journey.

The shift towards app payments reflects a broader transformation underway across quick service retail (QSR), restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels: customers increasingly expect frictionless, personalised interactions on their smartphones, and operators are responding accordingly. For hospitality providers, this means adapting to a

reality where guests are not just paying via apps, they are seeking seamless digital interactions from ordering through to payment.

These findings are also mirrored in wider consumer behaviour. Mobile contactless payments have experienced a significant surge in the UK, with 2025 data indicating that half of all UK adults (50%) now regularly use mobile payments (such as Apple Pay or Google Pay) at least once a month, which has risen from 34% in 2023.

From pandemic necessity to competitive advantage

Digital adoption in hospitality accelerated by necessity during the pandemic, when lockdowns forced operators to adopt online ordering and contactless interactions. What started this way has now developed into a strategic imperative. Today’s hospitality

providers are taking on greater ownership of customer relationships through direct-to-consumer digital channels, including branded apps and in-house ordering systems that capture customer data and help fuel loyalty and repeat visits.

What operators are looking for next

Respondents to the survey expressed interest in innovations such as datadriven menu adjustments and digital ordering experiences. However, overall reactions were mixed, demonstrating that while appetite for technology is strong, the majority remain thoughtful when it comes to implementation. They are not adopting apps blindly; instead, they are focused on technologies that offer clear operational benefits, from faster service and improved payments to better data insights and reduced friction.

Our research points to an overall trend where integrated mobile solutions, including QR ordering, loyalty apps and seamless payments, will be widespread priorities in the coming years. App adoption is likely to remain

beyond traditional metasearch into supported AI-driven conversational environments, including platforms such as ChatGPT and Claude. This enables travellers to discover hotels through curated recommendations, view live rates and complete their reservation on the hotel’s own booking page.

Through this approach, SiteMinder is establishing the hotel commerce infrastructure to enable AI demand partners to surface hotel inventory across a growing network of AI platforms, helping hotels extend their reach wherever travellers are planning and booking. DirectBooker, which connects live hotel rates to major and emerging AI platforms, is the inaugural partner in this pathway.

Second, through Channels Plus, SiteMinder’s multi-channel distribution solution, AI-enabled OTA and intermediary pathways that support search, comparison and booking on

a key battleground for competitive advantage.

Peter Moore, CEO of It’s Lolly, said: “The shift towards apps isn’t simply about technology for technology’s sake. Operators recognise that apps and mobile solutions must enhance and not replace core hospitality values like personal service and guest experience. Whether through contactless dining, loyalty rewards, or personalised mobile ordering, apps are becoming tools that allow teams to focus more on highvalue interactions while the systems handle the routine service flows.”

This is only the beginning

As app usage continues to grow among consumers and operators alike, hospitality providers that strategically embrace mobile and digital solutions are positioning themselves not just for survival but for long-term growth. The wider question needs to be - how best to integrate the new apps so they create memorable and efficient hospitality experiences?

behalf of travellers will now gain access to SiteMinder’s hotel inventory. The full guest experience, from discovery to confirmed booking, will take place within the partner’s platform, with reservations flowing through SiteMinder to the property.

Across these two pathways, direct bookings on the hotel’s own site and bookings completed within partner platforms, SiteMinder is extending hotels’ reach across the emerging booking landscape, converting AI-led demand into direct and indirect booking opportunities.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2026, the world’s largest consumer survey on accommodation plans and preferences, recently found that eight in ten travellers now want AI assistance during their booking journey, a shift that is reshaping how hotels connect with their guests, and one that SiteMinder’s latest platform expansions are designed to meet.

“Navigating the shifts in how travellers find and book hotels is what SiteMinder was built to do,” says Sankar Narayan, CEO and Managing Director at SiteMinder. “As AI-driven hotel discovery accelerates, we are expanding Demand Plus and Channels Plus to give properties on our platform new ways to be found and convert demand across these emerging pathways. For hoteliers, that means being present and bookable at every new point of discovery, and that advantage will only grow.”

Sanjay Vakil, CEO and Co-Founder of DirectBooker, added: “AI is creating a new front door for hotel discovery, and every hotel deserves to be found

through it. SiteMinder has pioneered hotel distribution at every major turn, and this partnership extends that leadership into the age of AI-driven travel. SiteMinder’s partnership supports DirectBooker’s goal of ensuring hotels are the primary beneficiaries of this shift: capturing a new generation of demand while keeping the guest relationship exactly where it belongs.”

Norman Arundel, Director of Hotels and Resorts at EVT, a leading hotel and entertainment group with properties across Australia, New Zealand and Europe, welcomed the announcement: “We are watching guest search behaviour evolve in real time, and the direction is unmistakable: AI is becoming part of how travellers find and choose where to stay. The imperative for hotels is to be discoverable in that environment, surfacing the right information at the right moment. At EVT, we see this as one of the most significant opportunities in hospitality right now, and it’s encouraging to see technology partners actively enabling hotels to not only be found, but booked, wherever guests are searching.”

Both product expansions are powered by Model Context Protocol (MCP), a technical standard that gives AI platforms access to live hotel data in real time, rather than relying on static or outdated information.

With 53,000 hotels, 2.5 million rooms and more than 300 million room nights processed annually across 150 countries, SiteMinder has built one of the hospitality industry’s largest and most connected distribution platforms. That scale, together with its hotel commerce infrastructure, positions SiteMinder to help hotels participate in the AI era of travel distribution.

1508 London AND HKS REVEAL A CLOSER LOOK INSIDE Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives

Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives, the ultra-luxury, island development in the South Malé Atoll reveals new architectural and design details of its 62 private residences presented by awardwinning architects HKS and worldrenowned design firm 1508 London. Legendary service and an incredible complement of amenities are provided by hospitality management and operator Starwood Hotels.

Nestled across five interconnected islands in the stunning South Malé Atoll, this unprecedented project unveils a tapestry of design, craft and crystal legacy, promising to redefine luxury and sophistication in one of the world’s most coveted destinations. Representing the first branded-residence by the illustrious French Maison, Baccarat, the design collaborators seamlessly balance the opulence of the 162-year heritage of the brand with an elevated vision of contemporary island sophistication.

Each residence is designed around its own parcel of land, either on a lagoon or beach plot, with architectural forms

inspired by the natural contours and serenity of the surrounding tropical landscape. HKS blends the timeless French artistry of Baccarat with organic rhythms to form the understated elegance of the residences and villas. Hand-cut crystal inspired columns offer artisanal, experiential moments that play with light and shadow, bringing the Baccarat brand to life in a natural and subtle way. Design elements from the Maldivian archipelago and surrounding countries, such as pitched roofs and regional pattern details, add an element of warmth that dually provide a “sense of place” comfort while blending into the exquisite environment.

Inside the residences, every room meticulously captures the essence of chic décontracté: a relaxed French elegance that blends classic sophistication with contemporary finesse. In tribute to refined craftsmanship and luxurious comfort, the living spaces feature relaxed seating, tactile upholstery, and exquisite soft furnishings that invite residents into a world of understated design.

The design palette draws from nature’s own artistry - organic shapes echo the rhythm of waves and sand, while soft sunset hues and the shimmering refractions of water inform the materials and finishes. The result is a serene, immersive environment that flows seamlessly between interior and exterior. Signature features include unobstructed ocean views from the living areas, curated gallery moments in transitional spaces, a showcase kitchen that merges effortlessly with the living room, expansive outdoor showers, and consistent floor finishes throughout, ensuring a harmonious and elevated living experience.

“In its essence, Baccarat Residences Maldives is designed to be intentionally intimate, immersive, and authentic,” shares Luis Zapiain, Global Practice Leader, Hospitality at HKS.

“The architecture of the resort plays on the striking dichotomy between the timeless elegance of the Baccarat brand and the warm luxury that defines the Maldives. It will awaken emotion in residents and elicit an inspired, tranquil connection to nature.”

“The architecture of the resort plays on the striking dichotomy between the timeless elegance of the Baccarat brand and the warm luxury that defines the Maldives. It will awaken emotion in residents and elicit an inspired, tranquil connection to nature.

Commenting on the interior design vision, Hamish Brown, Partner at 1508 London, said: “Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives marks a bold new chapter in the brand’s illustrious legacy, bringing its hallmark craftsmanship and artistry to one of the world’s most iconic luxury destinations. These meticulously designed spaces embody the spirit of Baccarat - where comfort meets sophistication - and offer both guests and residents the opportunity to experience a new standard of timeless elegance and unparalleled luxury living.”

The 55-hectare (approximately 136acre) prestigious development is being developed by global leader in residential and hospitality placemaking, MDC Investments LLC. With a current focus on the residential sales and commercial strategy, the 62 private villas are designed to suit different preferences and needs. There are 22 two-bedroom residences located across beach and overwater settings; 16 three-bedroom properties positioned on beach and lagoon plots; and 24 four-bedroom homes set across premium beach and overwater locations.

Zayan Salih, CEO, MDC Investments LLC, commented: “In a place where nature is already extraordinary, our vision is to build with equal intention. Baccarat Hotel & Residences Maldives is more than a resort, it is a living expression of timeless elegance and modern craftsmanship, created for those who anchor their lives in beauty and meaning and we’re thrilled to be working with 1508 London and HKS to bring our ambitions to life. Here, people don’t simply stay for a season, they begin a new chapter. This is our legacy, where the art of living meets the soul of the islands.”

For more information, please visit baccaratmaldivesresidences.com.

FROM HYPER-VISIBILITY TO MEANING: WHY LUXURY MUST RETHINK ITS DIGITAL PRESENCE

By Mikèle Landry, Senior Lecturer, Head of Luxury Brand Strategy Specialisation, Glion Institute of Higher Education

For more than a decade, luxury brands have embraced digital platforms with increasing intensity.

What began as a cautious entry into social media has evolved into a race for visibility measured in impressions, engagement rates, and constant content production. Yet, paradoxically, the more visible luxury becomes, the more it risks losing what makes it desirable in the first place. Today, the industry is approaching a tipping point.

According to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, digital channels now influence over 80% of luxury purchases. At the same time, consumer behavior

is shifting: Deloitte highlights that nearly 60% of Gen Z consumers feel overwhelmed by the volume of content they are exposed to daily. This phenomenon – often described as “digital fatigue” – is not anecdotal. It is structural. Because luxury, by definition, was never meant to be omnipresent.

The paradox of hyper-visibility

Historically, luxury has been built on scarcity, discretion and controlled access. Digital platforms, by contrast, reward frequency, immediacy and reach. This tension has created a paradox: brands designed to be rare are now expected to be constantly visible.

The consequences are increasingly evident. When every brand is present everywhere, differentiation erodes. When content becomes continuous, attention becomes fragmented. And when exposure becomes excessive, the desire of the targeted customers might diminish. Indeed, while luxury brands must radiate and build brand awareness and knowledge across diverse audiences, they must also be careful not to alienate their core consumer base.

A 2024 study by Boston Consulting Group found that while luxury brands have significantly increased their content output over the past five years, engagement rates have not followed the same trajectory. In some cases, they have even declined. More content does not necessarily create more value. In fact, it may do the opposite.

From exposure to experience

What is emerging instead is a redefinition of the value co-created through digital interactions: from visibility to meaning for all engaged parties.

Like any brand, a luxury brand does not create value in isolation; consumers play an active role in determining the value they experience through brand interactions. Hence, the term co-creation: consumers are not merely recipients of brand messages but should be considered as the main beneficiaries of the shared content.

As such, luxury consumers today are not seeking more content; they are seeking more relevance. They are not looking for brands that speak louder, but for brands that speak more precisely and consistently with their brand identity, so they can identify with the brand more significantly. This shift aligns closely with what we observe in the hospitality sector, where value is not measured by volume, but by the meaningfulness of the experience.

In hospitality, the most memorable moments are often the most discreet: a perfectly timed gesture, a personalised detail, an anticipation of needs that goes unnoticed yet deeply felt. These are not scalable interactions, but they are meaningful ones.

Historically, luxury has been built on scarcity, discretion and controlled access. Digital platforms, by contrast, reward frequency, immediacy and reach. “ “

Luxury brands must now apply the same logic to their digital presence.

The rise of selective presence

Rethinking digital does not mean abandoning it. It means redefining its role.

We are beginning to see a move toward what could be described as “selective presence”. Rather than aiming to be constantly visible, brands are curating when, where and how they appear. This approach is not about doing less, it is about doing differently. Examples of this shift are already visible. Some luxury houses are reducing posting frequency while investing in higher-quality storytelling. Others are prioritising private digital environments – exclusive communities, invitation-only experiences, or direct clienteling channels – over mass visibility.

This evolution reflects a deeper understanding of the specific types of value desired by luxury consumers: in a saturated environment, absence can be as powerful as presence, depending on the types of interactions sought

Digital as an extension of brand intimacy

The next frontier for luxury is not digital expansion, but digital intimacy.

According to Deloitte, personalisation is now one of the top drivers of loyalty in the luxury sector, with over 70% of high-net-worth individuals expecting tailored interactions. Yet personalisation is not only about data, but it is also about perception. It is about making the client feel understood, not targeted.

This is where luxury can once again learn from hospitality. The most successful hospitality brands do not simply collect data; they translate it into meaningful gestures. They create a sense of recognition. Digital should serve the same purpose.

Toward a new digital equilibrium

Luxury does not need to disappear from digital platforms – but it must resist the temptation to conform to their logic entirely. The challenge is not to be absent, but to remain intentional and considered as part of the service delivered to consumers

In a world of infinite content, meaning becomes the ultimate scarcity. For luxury brands, the question is no longer “How can we be seen?” but rather “What value are we delivering through digital interactions, and how does this fit into the overall brand story?”

Reclaiming that distinction may well define the next chapter of luxury’s digital presence.

Written by Mikèle Landry, Senior Lecturer, Head of Luxury Brand Strategy Specialisation, Glion Institute of Higher Education

For more information visit: www.glion.edu

Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema: AN

ICONIC TRANSFORMATION REDEFINING Sofitel IN

Sofitel, a pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, announces the transformation of Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema into the brand’s first flagship hotel in Brazil. With its inauguration scheduled for end of 2026, the hotel will emerge as a renewed icon on Ipanema Beach, offering 172 rooms and suites and a bold expression of Sofitel’s contemporary vision of luxury hospitality.

“This flagship transformation reflects Sofitel’s long-term commitment to Brazil and to the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City), as Rio de Janeiro is known worldwide, a city whose

cultural vitality and seaside elegance naturally resonate with the brand’s DNA. Reimagined under new ownership and guided by an ambitious architectural and design vision, Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema will elevate the guest experience through a refined dialogue between French Zest and the vibrant Carioca Soul. More than an evolution, the project marks a strategic milestone for Sofitel in Latin America – setting a new benchmark for the brand in the region and reaffirming its confidence in destinations with strong cultural identity and global appeal.”

— Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems

BRAZIL

A flagship expression of French Zest and Carioca Soul

Designed by the renowned architect Patricia Anastassiadis, the project presents an ambitious and contemporary interpretation of quiet luxury - expressed through comfort, hospitality, and sophistication, without ostentation. The transformation reimagines the hotel’s privileged beachfront location as a seamless extension of its surroundings, fully embracing the natural and cultural landscape of Ipanema.

Guests and visitors will experience the meeting of two worlds: the timeless elegance of the French Riviera and the vibrant, sun-filled energy of Rio de Janeiro. From the first “bonjour” upon arrival to the refined design language throughout the property, every detail reflects Sofitel’s commitment to authentic, emotionally resonant luxury.

Taking full advantage of its exceptional setting, the hotel offers panoramic views of Ipanema Beach, the iconic sunset, and the Dois Irmãos hills. The building will stand as the tallest in the area, offering a unique 360-degree perspective over the city and the ocean.

“Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema marks the meeting point between a sophisticated

atmosphere and freedom and the French gaze that falls in love with the Carioca soul. The project embodies lightness and warmth, creating common ground between Brazilian movement and French elegance.”

— Patricia Anastassiadis, the architect who has designed the project, highlights.

Design rooted in Brazilian culture and craftsmanship

The interiors showcase a curated selection of Brazilian design and contemporary art, reinforcing Sofitel’s commitment to cultural dialogue and local excellence. Furniture by Oscar Niemeyer, Sergio Rodrigues, Zanini de Zanine, and sculptural pieces by Hugo França are complemented by works from Artur Lescher, panels by Heloisa Crocco, paintings by Teodoro Dias, and a selection of Brazilian photography.

Natural textures inspired by sand, sea, and sky, the warm tones of Rio’s sunsets, and the presence of Brazilian ceramics are seamlessly integrated throughout the hotel, ensuring that the surrounding landscape becomes an intrinsic part of the guest experience.

Glass façades envelop the first three floors of the building, which will feature two entrances — one on Avenida Vieira Souto and another on Rua Maria Quitéria — reinforcing the hotel’s connection to the neighbourhood and its urban rhythm. A ground-floor bar with a balcony and direct street access reflects a distinctly

Carioca way of living the beach and the city.

A contemporary flagship designed for elevated experiences

As Sofitel’s flagship in Brazil, the hotel will offer a comprehensive range of experiences aligned with the brand’s highest global standards. Facilities include a spa dedicated to wellness and longevity, a fully equipped fitness centre, and a rooftop infinity pool with solarium and bar.

Located on the 21st floor, Club Millésime, Sofitel’s executive lounge, will offer personalized services and exclusive access for Club Millésime room guests and members of Accor’s highest loyalty tiers. The Club Millésime experience includes dedicated butler service, creating a boutique-hotel atmosphere within the flagship property.

The entire third floor will be dedicated to meetings and events, designed under the Meeting Residence concept — a more intimate, residential approach to corporate gatherings, fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Gastronomy as a cultural and social anchor

Haute cuisine plays a central role in the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema experience. Beginning on the 22nd floor, a signature restaurant led by a Michelinstarred chef will offer elevated dining with panoramic views. Three additional venues will complement the offering: a rooftop bar, an all-day dining restaurant, and a beachfront restaurant on the

Beginning on the 22nd floor, a signature restaurant led by a Michelin-starred chef will offer elevated dining with panoramic views. “

ground floor, allowing guests and visitors to experience Ipanema’s atmosphere in refined comfort. A Beach Club further extends the lifestyle experience, reinforcing the hotel’s role as a social and cultural hub for both travellers and locals.

A renewed chapter for Sofitel and Rio de Janeiro

“Hospitality is an art that unites cultures. The Carioca welcomes with joy, warmth, and spontaneity, while the French bring elegance, refinement, and savoir-faire. Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema was transformed to meet the expectations of an increasingly discerning clientele, offering an inspirational and personalized experience. This flagship transformation takes place at a very positive moment for Accor’s luxury portfolio in Rio de Janeiro, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and cultural authenticity,” says Netto Moreira, General Manager of Accor’s luxury cluster in Rio de Janeiro.

More than a hotel, Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema will be a place of conviviality, culture, and celebration - where French savoir-vivre meets the spontaneity and creative energy of Rio de Janeiro.

LUXURY HOSPITALITY IS MOVING BEYOND AESTHETICS: INSTEAD CONSIDERING SENSORY DESIGN

Luxury hospitality is moving beyond how spaces look, towards how they make guests feel – with sound, scent, texture and taste now considered just as integral as architecture or service.

Aspire Pre Flight Hospitality share insight on how they are applying a full sensory design approach to airport lounges, reimagining them through a hospitality lens rather than as purely functional waiting spaces.

Why this matters now

There’s growing evidence that multisensory environments directly influence how long guests stay, how relaxed they feel and how positively they remember a brand. In fact, Business Research Insights nearly 63% of retail and hospitality environments report increased dwell time after introducing ambient scent strategies, while around 46% of luxury brands now use signature scents to strengthen brand identity and loyalty.

Scent alone has become a major strategic tool, already used in roughly 38% of retail environments because of its proven link to memory and emotional response. Sound, meanwhile, plays a critical role in managing stress and even shaping people’s perception of time.

For airport lounges, these insights are particularly powerful. Unlike hotels or restaurants, lounges operate in highpressure, time-sensitive environments where anxiety, fatigue and sensory overload are common.

Designing calm in a stressful environment

Aspire has taken a deliberately holistic approach to this challenge, designing its lounges around all five senses:

• Sight: Uncluttered, luxuriously crafted interiors with intuitive service flow

• Sound: A curated soundscape that evolves throughout the day to match passenger mood

• Smell: Aspire’s signature scent, designed to reduce stress and create familiarity

• Feel: Ergonomic seating developed in partnership with Central Saint Martins for longer dwell times

• Taste: Fresh, location-inspired food and drink designed to feel indulgent

Rather than treating these elements in isolation, Aspire integrates sensory design into its operational strategy, recognising the psychological state of travellers at each touchpoint.

Below is a preview of commentary from Aspire Pre Flight Hospitality, alongside its sound partners, outlining how these sensory elements were developed, tested with guests and scaled globally.

Graham Allen, Global Operations Director at Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality said: “When we launched Aspires scent, we trialled three scents over three months and actively invited guest feedback. Fragrance is incredibly personal, involving our guests in that decision was important and greatly received. Bergamot, Tea & Mandarin emerged as the clear favourite for being both powerful yet subtle."

Paul Dimmock, Managing Director at Sunflower Music said: “We specialise in compiling tailored music playlists to complement the brand image and target customer of businesses globally. After numerous rounds of sample tracks, we compiled the ‘signature sound’ for Aspire Lounges featuring a chilled-out vibe during the day playlists and more up-tempo beach club type atmosphere for the evening and night periods.”

Gwendal Hamon, Global Food & Beverages Director at Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality said: “We’ve found that working with local suppliers brings menus to life—offering dishes that reflect regional identity and provide travellers a more authentic experience. It’s a win-win for sustainability and storytelling.”

A NEW HEIGHT FOR Bread Street Kitchen & Bar - NOW OPEN AT 22 Bishopsgate

A LANDMARK MOMENT AS GORDON RAMSAY RESTAURANTS GLOBAL CELEBRATES ITS

Bread Street Kitchen & Bar at 22 Bishopsgate is now officially open, welcoming guests to a new all-day dining destination on the 59th floor of the City of London’s tallest building. Rising 269 metres above the capital, the launch marks a landmark moment for Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global as it celebrates its 100th restaurant worldwide.

Following the success of Lucky Cat at 22 Bishopsgate, which opened in February 2025, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar strengthens the group’s presence within one of London’s most iconic destinations. The development has also been featured in the Netflix docuseries Being Gordon Ramsay, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at one of London’s most anticipated restaurant openings.

Now open to the public, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar at 22 Bishopsgate represents the most elevated expression of the brand to date, building on its first opening in St Paul’s in 2001.

“The

expansive venue offers 250 seats across the dining room and bar, including 59 bar seats across stools, poser tables and fixed seating, creating a lively setting that transitions effortlessly from daytime dining into latenight energy.”

Dining at Bread Street Kitchen & Bar captures the full rhythm of the day, flowing from breakfast and lunch through to afternoon tea and dinner,

alongside bar snacks that extend the experience into the evening. Set against sweeping skyline views, the menu features elevations of signature Bread Street Kitchen and Ramsay’s Kitchen favourites alongside over 30 entirely new dishes. The muchloved GFC returns with its signature

sauce now made entirely in house, while the iconic Idiot Sandwich brings together beef brisket, cheddar cheese, mushroom and tomato chutney with fries. The celebrated Beef Wellington is available to share high above the capital, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy the classic dish in a striking new setting.

Afternoon Tea, priced from £55 per person and available daily, offers a modern take on the classic experience, featuring roasted chicken sandwiches and signature sweet treats inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s favourite childhood desserts, including the Gordon Wagon Wheel presented in a playful mould resembling Gordon’s head.

Sharing remains central to the restaurant’s offering, with menus designed for both celebrations and relaxed group dining. Guests can enjoy dishes such as wagyu meatballs, barley miso salmon, lobster and prawn toast, chicken and caviar nuggets, stonebass crudo and Duroc pork chops. Traditional Sunday dining is also reimagined through the Ramsay Roast, served with classic accompaniments including roast potatoes, maple glazed carrots and braised hispi cabbage. Desserts combine nostalgic favourites with contemporary additions, from classic Sticky Toffee Pudding to the BSK Sundae, featuring fig leaf ice cream, miso caramel and cherry sauce.

Set high above the city with uninterrupted views across London, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar at 22 Bishopsgate marks a defining new chapter for the globally recognised brand, celebrating both its global growth and its continued evolution in the capital.

CROISSANT OLD FASHIONEDS, MUSTARD MARGARITAS & CORNICHON MARTINIS - Bar Antoine LAUNCHES ‘SAVOIR-BOIRE’ MENU

At Bar Antoine, (Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane), the flavours of the French table are being reimagined in liquid form this spring.The bar’s new cocktail menu - Savoir-Boire - draws inspiration from the ingredients, rituals and indulgences of France’s culinary culture; from buttery croissants and nutty Comté to the sharp bite of mustard.

At a time when London is rediscovering its appetite for classic French dining, Bar Antoine approaches the tradition from a new angle, translating the flavours of France’s bistrots and boulangeries into unexpected, playful serves.

Developed by award-winning Bar Manager Leon Gasco, and under the guidance of the world’s most Michelindecorated starred chef Yannick Alléno, the cocktail menu pairs emblematic French ingredients with the best of British produce, blurring the line between kitchen and bar.

Hero serves include the Croissant Old Fashioned with croissant-infused cognac and Byrrh; the Cornichon Martini with olive oil vodka; the Peach & Mustard Margarita with tequila, peach eau-de-vie and mustard tincture; and the Fig-Affair Paloma finished with a delicate Comté tuille garnish.

Translated as “the art of drinking well”, Savoir-Boire is also a celebration of French drinking rituals. The menu unfolds across three chapters beginning with L’Apéro, a tribute to France’s favourite pre-dinner moment,

EDEN MILL APPOINTS STEVEN KERSLEY AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eden Mill Distillery has announced the appointment of Steven Kersley as Chief Executive Officer. Kersley, who brings over a decade of senior leadership experience in the Scotch whisky and craft spirits industry, takes the helm with an ambitious agenda to establish a world-class spirits brand rooted in its home of St Andrews.

The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Eden Mill, which boasts a state-of-the-art distillery with significant capacity for expansion, a destination visitor centre, and a topfloor cocktail bar with panoramic views across the Eden Estuary and St Andrews skyline.

Steven Kersley, Chief Executive Officer at Eden Mill, said: “With its location at the gateway to the home of golf, our distillery occupies one of the most compelling sites in Scottish spirits. St Andrews is a genuinely special place with over a million tourists passing through each year. As the 2026 season gets underway, we’re adding to the excellent local offering with our distillery visitor centre.

“We have an incredible back-catalogue of award-winning spirits, but what excites me most are the spirits that are yet to come.

followed by Les Classiques, with reinterpretations of classic cocktails viewed through a French lens. The final chapter, Les Rituels, invites guests to linger while theatrical cocktails are prepared tableside.

A new food menu has been designed to accompany the cocktails, featuring classic French ingredients and playful riffs on popular bar snacks.

Creative bites include Carabineros prawn toast with tomato and basil; a Pissaladière with caramelised onions, olives and anchovies; and Oeuf Mayo, a crispy soft egg with herb mayonnaise.

Larger plates include a twist on the traditional with the ‘CroqueAntoine:’ the bar’s cult dry-aged Wagyu Antoine Burger and new addition, The CFC (caviar fried chicken), alongside a rotating selection of French cheeses and artisanal charcuterie, showcasing regional specialities, aged classics and delicately cured meats.

“We’re building a whisky programme that’s uncompromising in its ambition: a wood policy of serious depth and intention, underpinned by a distillate that’s been crafted by layering flavour at every stage of production. We’ll be bold in our decision-making in order to make the best whisky possible - and then we’ll take it to the world.”

The appointment comes as Eden Mill builds momentum under new ownership, including the start of the St Andrews tourist season, an exciting pipeline of whisky and gin releases, and the continuation of the business’s popular private cask programme. International expansion sits alongside UK growth as a clear commercial priority.

Tony Banks, Chairman, Ruby Capital Limited, said: “We acquired Eden Mill because we believe in what it can become.

“It has an extraordinary location, a loyal following, and the infrastructure to grow into something significant.

Pull up a seat at the central bar, unwind in a cosy corner with plush seating - made with mohair velvets and woven silks by designer Chanan Minassian - or find a spot in the sunshine on the discreet garden terrace, adorned with elegant greenery, accommodating up to 30 guests.

With Savoir-Boire, Bar Antoine brings French soul to the heart of London, defined by great drinks, vibrant food, and an undeniable buzz. Santé!

“Appointing Steven is the most important step we’ve taken since acquisition. He understands this industry from the ground up, he has the commercial ambition we need, and he shares our absolute commitment to making whisky of the highest quality. That shared goal is the foundation everything else is built on. We’re giving him everything he needs to take our spirits to the world stage.”

Eden Mill’s flagship distillery and visitor centre opened on the Eden Campus in October 2025. The site includes a 300-cask warehouse, the 40-seat Lookout Bar, a high-end retail space, and an immersive experience programme built around whisky, gin and mixology.

REAL is the slow fermented sparkling tea that is made from tea, fermented like wine and popped like champagne.

Each bottle is built with time with just four natural sourced ingredients, designed for those who want flavour, ritual and occasion in a naturally alcohol-free format.

Founded by David Begg in 2017, REAL was created to explore a more flavour-driven approach to non-alcoholic drinks, at a time when few options were designed to truly hold their own at the table. Rather than replicating existing categories, Begg developed a slow fermented sparkling tea intended to be chosen on its own merit rather than as a substitute.

Fermented over several weeks, REAL develops flavour, acidity and texture naturally over time. The result is a layered, evolving liquid with a surprisingly complex depth of flavour, balancing brightness, structure and length. Made without additives, preservatives or shortcuts, REAL takes a controlled and deliberate approach, using fermentation as a craft process to build balance, structure and integration.

Production takes place at REAL’s Fermentery on the Waddesdon Estate in Buckinghamshire, the first of it’s kind where the entire process is managed in-house. Each batch is overseen by Begg, who personally tastes every one before it leaves.

Across the range, REAL has received multiple industry accolades including Gold at the World Alcohol Free Awards, London Wine Competition and Great British Food Awards.

CRAZY BEAR HIGHLIGHTS GROWTH

OPPORTUNITIES IN HOSPITALITY

Crazy Bear events guru Florentina Ionita has hailed the hospitality sector as a great place to work.

UK Hospitality, the leading trade body for the hospitality industry in the UK, estimates that three and a half million people work in the sector, making it the third largest employer.

The hospitality industry directly contributes £93 billion annually to the economy and is showing faster economic growth than any other sector. With favourable conditions, hospitality could increase its economic contribution by £29 billion and create 500,000 new jobs by 2027.

Staff at the Crazy Bear in Stadhampton revealed what makes hospitality such a rewarding career.

Florentina Ionita, Event Sales Coordinator at the Crazy Bear, started working at the iconic Oxfordshire venue in April 2017. Since then, she has enjoyed roles as a waitress, receptionist and in the Crazy Bear’s events team.

She said: “I studied tourism and from there, hospitality has always been a part of me. I wanted to meet new people, organise events and celebrate people’s important days.

"I put a lot of effort into my work. Hospitality is where I feel very comfortable in my career and the Crazy Bear is a great place to work.

Florentina Ionita

“

Hospitality remains one of the most rewarding and dynamic career paths available, offering a blend of creativity, people skills and progression.

“

“If you are willing and hard-working, you can start as a waitress and build up to running a department.

“I started in the Thai restaurant and then worked in reception. I was doing events at the same time, as I had the opportunity and a manager who rewarded hard work and those who showed a willingness to learn.

“I’m settled now in events, but I’m always happy to help other staff and with training. In hospitality, there is always an opportunity for growth.”

On life at the Crazy Bear, Ms Ionita added: “The vibe is unique. When I go out to different restaurants and hotels, I always end up comparing. The Crazy Bear has its own distinctive charm though due to the immersive surroundings and decor.

“The team here is like a family. We look after each other and know each other inside out.”

Josh Mills, Group Recruitment Manager at the Crazy Bear, said: “Hospitality remains one of the most rewarding and dynamic career paths available, offering a blend of creativity, people skills and progression.

“It’s an industry where individuals can quickly build experience, take on responsibility and grow into leadership roles through hard work and the right attitude.

“At the Crazy Bear, we’re proud to offer a working environment that combines high standards with personality and energy.

“Our teams gain exposure to fantastic service, refined dining and unique guest experiences across our restaurants, bars and hotels, with real opportunities to move across departments and develop professionally.

“We invest in training, support and longterm growth, ensuring our people can build meaningful, sustainable careers in a fast-moving, exciting industry.”

The Crazy Bear is a luxury hotel and home to a variety of dining options, including its classic English restaurant, the freshly refurbished Hom Thai restaurant, an al fresco terrace and traditional countryside pub.

Brewin Design Office UNVEILS DESIGN FOR ITS FIRST HOTEL IN JAPAN: Capella Kyoto

A Contemporary Machiya Shaped by Craft, Culture, and the Poetry of Space

Brewin Design Office has crafted the interior design of Capella Kyoto, set to open in the city’s historic Gion district. The design draws on Kyoto’s cultural heritage and Brewin’s contemporary approach to luxury to establish a clear interplay of craft, materiality, and atmosphere. The property presents a modern-day machiya, reflecting the city’s architectural sensibilities through a sequence of considered spaces, expressed alongside a quiet composition of light, texture, and refined detailing.

Capella Kyoto is located in Miyagawa-cho and is built on the grounds of a former elementary school. Steps from Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, Kenninji, and the historic Kaburenjo Theatre, the property draws on the neighborhood’s deep cultural lineage, embodying a spirit of learning and artistry, articulated through

a contemporary Kyoto vernacular that is both familiar and unexpected. The site’s past is not erased; rather it is reinterpreted. Incorporating reclaimed timber and select artefacts from the former school grounds, the hotel retains a connection to its history, offering an authenticity and sense of continuity unique within Kyoto’s luxury landscape.

A Choreographed Arrival

Guests enter through a narrow Gion-style passageway lined with shoji screens that soften the sound of a hidden waterfall. The approach is intentionally prolonged — unfolding through a series of gentle intervals that naturally slow one’s pace and heighten awareness of the surroundings. This calibrated progression echoes the neighborhood’s pattern of discovery, where movement through slender alleyways gives way to moments of quiet reveal. This journey carries a gentle sense of anticipation, culminating in a modern airlock framing a sculptural reimagination of the shimenawa, a sacred

rope marking the transition from the everyday and the contemplative.

Beyond this threshold, the hotel opens into a cloistered tsuboniwa courtyard garden, which is the heart of the property. The courtyard integrates a meditative water feature and an open-air performance platform, establishing a spatial calm that guides the entire project and echoes Kyoto’s reverence for nature as architecture’s equal.

Kyoto’s craftsmanship forms the backbone of the interior design. Rather than using traditional materials as decorative accents, Brewin Design Office employs them as architectural building blocks. Hand-applied earthen plaster walls, carved timber joinery influenced by chōba tansu merchant chests, and authentic shoji panels composed with precision and restraint. Lacquer, bronze, ceramic and handmade washi paper appear throughout, their tactility creating a rhythm of surfaces that reward close observation.

“Kyoto’s mastery lies in its restraint. Our ambition was to express its invisible qualities –stillness, rhythm, material intelligence – through the language of design rather than decoration.

- Robert Cheng, Founder of Brewin Design Office

“Kyoto’s mastery lies in its restraint,” says Robert Cheng, Founder of Brewin Design Office. “Our ambition was to express its invisible qualities – stillness, rhythm, material intelligence – through the language of design rather than decoration.”

Every major space carries a conceptual lineage:

• The Living Room takes its cue from the softly glowing form of a traditional andon lantern. In keeping with Capella’s approach to hosted experiences, it serves as a bridge between guest and city — a welcoming, hosted space that acts as a portal for engagement, connection, and orienting guests to the rhythms of Kyoto.

• Capella’s signature restaurant channels the intimate ambience of an ochaya, a traditional Japanese tea house, reinterpreted for modern dining. The restaurant is comprised of two sequential spaces, beginning in a residential-style living room curated with objects collected from the chef’s travels, each with its own story and

spirit. Guests then move into the dining space, designed almost as an extension of the chef’s own kitchen — fully open to view so guests can observe every gesture while enjoying a seasonally driven menu prepared before them.

• The Japanese restaurant incorporates reclaimed wood and handcrafted lights, sourced directly from the former elementary school, celebrating both sustainable reuse and the continuity of the site’s legacy. Conceived as an elevated late-night dining venue – uncommon in Kyoto’s largely casual after-hours scene – it offers excellent food, great drinks, curated music, and a sophisticated ambience that together fill a gap in the city and introduce a distinctive new option for night-time dining.

• For the all-day-dining, Capella will offer a French brasserie, reimagined through the quiet elegance and craftsmanship of Kyoto. It blends Parisian sophistication — marble, herringbone floors, refined detailing — with the serene, intentional, nature-focused sensibility of Japanese design. The space feels soft, luminous, and poetic, defined by columns inspired by Japanese ornamental language, pale woods, delicate woven textures, and subtle floral compositions that act as natural partitions. Every element is curated to feel calm, airy, and understated, creating a dining environment that is both luxurious and grounded in simplicity. Ultimately, the concept is about harmonising two worlds: the indulgent allure of French pâtisserie culture and the contemplative, sensory refinement of Kyoto.

Guestrooms as Private Retreats

Guestrooms and suites act as private sanctuaries, centering the Japanese ritual of bathing. Deep stone tubs anchor each room, framed by muted surfaces and tactile finishes that invite slowness and contemplation. The design prioritises

sensory quiet — a distilled interpretation of Kyoto’s aesthetic of simplicity.

“At Capella Kyoto, every design decision serves a deeper purpose: to slow time, heighten awareness, and create space for cultural immersion that reveals the authentic spirit of place,” says John Blanco, Cluster General Manager, Capella Kyoto. “The architecture and interiors don’t merely frame experiences; they orchestrate a journey of discovery that honours both Kyoto’s rich legacy and the intimate, bespoke hospitality that defines Capella.”

A Curated Dialogue of Art and Architecture

Capella Kyoto is the result of a collaboration between Brewin Design Office, Capella Hotel Group, and Kengo Kuma & Associates – a collaboration that brings together architecture, interiors, and hospitality through a shared belief in quiet luxury and cultural continuity.

While Kengo Kuma & Associates designed the hotel building’s exterior shell, Brewin Design Office shaped the interior narrative, from guestrooms and suites to restaurants and the spa, translating the architectural rhythm into a layered, sensory experience that unites proportion, texture, and light.

“Rather than replicating tradition, we sought to evolve its essence through a contemporary lens,” Cheng explains. “It’s about carrying forward Kyoto’s spirit of discretion and intimacy, not merely referencing its past.”

Capella Kyoto’s interiors extend beyond spatial design into a curated dialogue between art and architecture. The hotel houses a permanent art collection featuring contemporary Japanese artists, curated by the property’s full-time Art Curator. This ongoing narrative of renewal is reinforced by the Artist-inResidence programme, where traditional artisans and modern creatives intersect in the hotel’s public and private spaces.

A NEW LOOK FOR LeShuttle

LeShuttle has partnered with renowned label Pierre Cardin to lead a full redesign of its customer-facing uniforms. The reimagined designs, which will debut across both Folkestone and Calais terminals in 2027, mark a key milestone in LeShuttle’s journey and commitment to elevating customer experience.

The uniform redesign aligns with LeShuttle’s recently announced redevelopment plans for its terminals to create a modern, seamless, efficient, sustainable, and intuitive experience - setting a new standard for LeShuttle customers and reshaping the journey for millions of travellers. Together, these initiatives represent LeShuttle’s commitment to a service-led, customerfirst approach to the future of travel.

One of the most established names in fashion, the Pierre Cardin label was founded by the brand’s namesake designer in 1950. Known for his avant garde, space age designs and geometric shapes, Pierre Cardin was one of the first designers to pioneer unisex and readyto-wear fashion during his career which spanned more than seven decades.

Asquith

TEXTILE

The Pierre Cardin brand is now under the stewardship of Pierre’s nephew, Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin, who became CEO in 2020 and in keeping with the brand’s futuristic vision, Pierre Cardin’s approach to corporate wear blends elegance with accessibility that is both refined and forward focussed.

Deborah Merrens, LeShuttle’s Chief Commercial Officer said of the redesign: “LeShuttle’s uniform redesign is not only a visible refresh, but a statement of our commitment to delivering the very best experiences in modern travel.

“The rollout of the new uniform will see more than 1,200 team members sporting the new design in collaboration with Pierre Cardin designers.

“We are proud to reflect our evolving brand through practical yet elegant designs for our frontline teams. The designs are being developed through a collaborative process that includes input from LeShuttle staff, ensuring the final uniform reflects both brand vision and real-world practicality.”

Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin added: “Our goal with LeShuttle’s new uniform is to balance style with functionality, clothing that both empowers staff and reflects the values of the brand. Corporate wear is a significant area of expertise for the Pierre Cardin team and we take great pride in designing uniforms that set a standard for the world’s most visible companies and are proud to work with LeShuttle on this project.”

The new uniforms are expected to softlaunch in 2027.

LAUNCHES RFID LABELS TO TRANSFORM

TRACKING

Asquith Group, a leading textile labelling specialist, announces the launch of its new range of RFID labelsengineered to bring efficient, invisible tracking to garments, linens and uniforms across hospitality, laundry services, healthcare and workwear rental markets.

Manual inventory processes can be labour intensive, inaccurate and costly, leading to lost linen, misplaced uniforms and operational inefficiencies. Asquith’s new RFID labels are purpose built for industrial textile environments and withstand 200+ industrial laundry cycles, allowing businesses to automate inventory management and monitor stock movement with a simple scan.

AND REDUCE LOSS

“RFID technology is rapidly becoming essential for textile intensive industries,” said Jeff Keam, Managing Director at Asquith Group. “By supplying these RFID labels to our customers, we help them reduce loss, improve visibility, and streamline operations - all in a durable and discreet format that integrates directly into garments or linens.”

Asquith’s RFID range includes:

• RFID Fabric Labels - polyester labels with embedded RFID chips, suitable for sew on, heat seal or seam application.

• RFID Woven Labels - customisable labels with branding and QR codes that offer both RFID and smartphone scan functionality.

Applications include hotels, commercial laundries, healthcare facilities, uniform hire, and workwear suppliers. With increased automation and real-time tracking capabilities, businesses can reduce labour costs, sharpen control over high-volume assets, and minimise unnecessary stock replacement.

WHERE RIVER, RHTYHM AND RECOVERY MEET: Sæl Spa TO LAUNCH AT Fulham Pier THIS MAY

Sæl Spa at Fulham Pier will debut as West London’s first dedicated luxury spa and wellness club on the banks of the River Thames.

Set across four light-filled floors and located within Fulham Pier – London’s new riverside lifestyle destination –Sæl has been conceived as a modern British sanctuary where world-leading practitioners support members to restore, optimise and future proof both body and mind.

Designed for Sæl members, with access extended to Fulham Pier Hotel guests and Lighthouse Social members, the spa offers an unrivalled setting for Londoners seeking to restore and recharge, whether part of a regular wellness routine or during a stay at the hotel for a special occasion.

Members will enjoy access to a 15-metre heated rooftop infinity pool and sun terrace, offering sweeping river views and one of the few open-air

swimming experiences of its kind in the capital, alongside a spa penthouse for private social wellness gatherings. Inside, facilities include a dedicated movement studio with integrated infrared technology, alongside a wet spa with experience showers, a Finnish dry sauna and botanical steam room, as well as contrast therapy suites combining infrared sauna and cold plunge facilities.

Sæl brings together a collective of specialists across wellness and clinical health. Inge Theron, Founder of FaceGym and spa design studio ITANDA, consulted on the longevity concept and wellness programming direction, while movement is thoughtfully programmed across 1:1 reformer Pilates, personal training, yoga, breathwork and sound-based recovery practices.

Clinical expertise and advanced recovery form a core part of the offering. Through 3 Peaks Health, members can access diagnostics led by Dr. Mark Mikhail, including blood analysis, microbiome mapping and targeted neurostimulation. Treatment rooms offer a curated menu of therapies from leading brands such as

Omorovicza, SkinCycles, BIOEFFECT, and Wildsmith Skin, spanning advanced skin treatments, regenerative bodywork, and circadian-aligned massage, designed to support energy, recovery and sleep.

A dedicated Recovery Lounge brings together advanced recovery experiences in a calm space designed for deep rest and reset. Premium wellness brand and Official Red Light & Recovery Partner of Fulham FC and Fulham Pier, BON CHARGE™ will bring cutting-edge recovery, performance, sleep, wellbeing and beauty treatments through its award-winning sciencebacked red light and PEMF tools integrated into the space. Alongside the BON CHARGE™ treatments, Sæl will also offer in house recovery services including IV infusions, compression therapy and immersive vibro acoustic relaxation beds.

Members can choose from a range of membership options, enabling for personalised wellbeing pathways aligned to individual goals - including cognitive clarity, sleep recovery, peak performance and metabolic reset – alongside access to a year-round programme of expert talks, workshops and rooftop sessions

Pantri, Sæl’s all-day recovery café and social hub designed for community and recharge, offers nutrient dense menus developed to support hydration, energy, and recovery throughout the day.

Designed to maximise natural light and maintain a constant connection to the River Thames, Sæl Spa’s architecture and interiors support circadian rhythm alignment, recovery and cognitive performance, creating an environment that works in harmony with human biology. The name Sæl - originating from Old English meaning calm, happy or blessed - and its bespoke lettering, inspired by historic type rediscovered in the Thames, offer a subtle nod to renewal, regeneration and the water flowing just beyond the spa.

Sæl Spa joins the wider Fulham Pier destination, which includes the Fulham Pier Hotel, private members club Lighthouse Social, London’s only riverside food hall Riverside Market, Brasserie Constance by Michelinstarred chef Adam Byatt, as well as year-round events and cultural programming. Together, they create a new community hub for the area, and one of a kind riverside escape in a new corner of London.

Katie Harel APPOINTED MANAGING DIRECTOR OF OVG Hospitality, TO DRIVE THE NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH IN THE UK

Oak View Group (OVG), a global leader in premium live entertainment hospitality, including venue development and management, and sponsorship sales, has appointed Katie Harel to Managing Director of OVG Hospitality.

Based in London, Harel will report to Ken Gaber, President, OVG Hospitality, and will lead the strategic and creative division across the UK, with responsibility for marketing, new business, commercial growth, brand positioning, partnerships and delivering outstanding guest experiences. She will also retain oversight of strategic marketing for Rhubarb Hospitality Collection to ensure alignment with OVG Hospitality.

Having been appointed VP of Marketing at OVG International as in 2024, Katie brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience

and over a decade of leadership at Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, where she played a key role in commercial transformation and brand development. Following Rhubarb’s acquisition by OVG in 2023, she has helped shape the group’s hospitality strategy across premium live entertainment, sport and cultural venues.

Katie Harel comments: “I am incredibly excited to take on this role after more than a decade at Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, and the past few years as part of OVG.

“I look forward to bringing the same creative energy, focus on quality and proven approach to OVG Hospitality. We have an exceptional team here, and I am thrilled about the developments ahead.”

Amy Latimer, Chief Business Officer, Oak View Group added:

Sirius Hotel Group ADDS ACQUISITIONS

ROLE TO DRIVE GROWTH

The Sirius Hotel Group has appointed Matt Lederer to the newly-created role of Director of Acquisitions.

Lederer joins the company following its rebranding from Resident Hotels, as it seeks to grow alongside capital partners as a specialist hotel management platform developing and operating prime city centre hotels.

He has held senior roles within professional services, including SVP at JLL and Development Director at Marriott International, where he was involved in growing brands such as Moxy, Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. Most recently, Lederer spent nearly six years as Hotel Acquisitions Director at private equity firm Castleforge.

He said: “I am thrilled to be joining The Sirius Hotel Group at this pivotal

stage of its expansion. The hotel sector continues to move into the mainstream as an asset class, and with it comes growing demand from investors for the experience and knowledge found across the team at The Sirius Hotel Group.”

David Orr, CEO, The Sirius Hotel Group, said: “Matt brings an exceptional track record and reputation within our sector, with deep expertise in both securing investment partners and hotel acquisitions. He will lead our growth plans as we enter the next chapter of The Sirius Hotel Group.

“Matt’s experience speaks for itself. He has a deep understanding and appreciation for hotel operations, bringing a crucial awareness of how to grow an operational business with its combination of cohesive strategies across disciplines.”

“There’s never been a more exciting time for opportunity and development in UK hospitality across sports and entertainment. Katie has proven to be a driving force, and her success at Rhubarb is testament to that.”

“Her expertise, vision and knowledge of hospitality give her a uniquely effective approach to this role. We’re very excited to see what her insights will bring to our operations and partnerships in this expanded position.”

The appointment comes at a significant time for OVG Hospitality, which continues to expand rapidly across the UK and Europe. The business currently delivers food and beverage operations at Co-op Live in Manchester, the UK’s largest indoor arena, and has partnered with City Football Group at the Etihad Stadium alongside a number of other leading football grounds across the country.

The expansion of OVG Hospitality in the UK follows the success of OVG’s model in the US where it provides industryleading food and drink at major US sports venues, such as Chaifetz Arena, Citizens Bank Park and Cotton Bowl Stadium.

“Our abilities across conversions, office to hotel, hotel to hotel or new developments are established, but Matt brings an entirely new dimension to our capabilities and ambition.”

The Sirius Hotel Group’s strategy is to grow the portfolio by more than 20 hotels in the next six to 10 years, taking the group to over 30 hotels.

The group’s reputation-led trackrecord for developing, repositioning and operating hotels was reaffirmed in 2025 with the successful conversion of four Four Points Flex by Sheraton and the trading performance success of The Resident Edinburgh, which opened at the end of 2024. The group’s partnership as a Marriott International franchisee was cemented by the Four Points Flex by Sheraton conversions. The group’s own Upper Upscale brand, The Resident, has all five hotels in the top ten TripAdvisor rankings for London, Liverpool and Edinburgh as of April 2026.

London Marriott Hotel Park Lane APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

Rajiv Erinjery has been appointed Executive Chef of London Marriott Hotel Park Lane in Mayfair, including Lanes of London, the Mediterraneaninspired, all-day dining restaurant.

With over 25 years’ experience, Chef Erinjery will oversee all culinary operations; driving menu development, sourcing local ingredients and running day-to-day operations, while refining the overall dining experience, with a renewed emphasis on seasonality and creativity.

Erinjery joins from PPHE Hotel Group where he held the position of Head Chef at Park Plaza County Hall London. During his time here, he played a key role in elevating the hotel’s culinary proposition, contributing to the achievement of AA Rosette recognition in 2024 and 2025. Prior to this, he held Head Chef positions at Grosvenor House Suites, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Grange Hotels, Corus Hotels and Hilton London Paddington.

His recent accolades, including being named Tilda Team Chef of the Year 2025 and achieving Best in Class at Salon Culinaire 2025, underscore his commitment to excellence and innovation in the kitchen.

Executive Chef of London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, Rajiv Erinjery, comments: “I’m delighted to be joining London Marriott Hotel Park Lane at such an exciting time. I look forward to working closely with the team to build on the existing offering and create menus that are both innovative and rooted in quality ingredients, while delivering memorable dining experiences for our guests.”

Hotel Manager of London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, Varun Nigam, comments: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rajiv to the hotel – with his extensive experience in the sector I am confident he will be a fantastic asset to the team, helping to deliver a premium dining experience while bringing creativity and innovation to our menus.”

Langham Hospitality Group CELEBRATES LANDMARK MICHELIN SUCCESS IN SHANGHAI

Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has achieved significant recognition in the MICHELIN Guide Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang 2026, with T’ang Court at The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi, being awarded two MICHELIN stars. This elevation marks a new pinnacle for the finedining Cantonese restaurant after first achieving one star in 2016. In parallel, Ming Court at Cordis, Shanghai, Hongqiao, has retained its one MICHELIN star for the seventh consecutive year.

“T’ang Court’s elevation to two MICHELIN stars is driven by the shared commitment to excellence from both our culinary and service teams. We are equally proud of Ming Court’s consistent performance in retaining its star for seven years. These achievements have cemented the restaurants’ reputations as leading fine-dining destinations in Shanghai,” LHG Chief Executive Officer Bob van den Oord said. “Our Group now proudly holds a total of seven MICHELIN stars across our portfolio,

Under the leadership of Executive Chinese Chef Tony Su, T’ang Court at The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi honours tradition while embracing modern touches. The restaurant’s serene ambiance, inspired by the Tang Dynasty and accented by contemporary art, offers panoramic views of the vibrant Xintiandi district. Chef Su’s meticulous craftsmanship is evident in signature seafood, barbecued specialties, and refined dim sum, creating memorable dishes that are rich in both flavour and history.

At Cordis, Shanghai, Hongqiao, Ming Court continues to be celebrated for its quality and consistency. Led by Executive Chef Paul Qian, the restaurant blends exquisite Cantonese cuisine with a touch of local Shanghainese fare in a refined setting inspired by the glamour of 1920s Shanghai. The restaurant is equally renowned for its exceptional pairings, with an extensive list of over 70 international wines, a premium Japanese sake selection, and a curated menu of rare spirits, single malt whiskies, and fine Chinese teas.

Lough Erne Resort CONCIERGE Neal Graham AWARDED Les Clefs d’Or membership

Lough Erne Resort is proud to announce that concierge Neal Graham has been awarded membership of Les Clefs d’Or, the world-renowned association of professional hotel concierges, and has received the organisation’s distinguished golden crossed keys.

Les Clefs d’Or (translated as “The Golden Keys”) is a highly respected global network of concierges, with over 4,000 members across more than 80 countries and 530 destinations worldwide. Founded in 1929, the organisation champions excellence in hospitality, supports professional development and fosters international collaboration to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Neal has built an impressive career at Lough Erne Resort, progressing through a number of key guest-facing roles during his 16 years with the team. Now Concierge, he is often

the first friendly face to welcome guests on arrival, setting the tone for a personalised and memorable stay with his warmth, local knowledge and attention to detail.

During his five-year journey towards Les Clefs d’Or membership, Neal drew on his extensive experience of anticipating and exceeding guest expectations, while successfully completing rigorous assessments covering local expertise and international hospitality standards. His achievement further strengthens his reputation as a trusted ambassador for both the Resort and the wider Fermanagh Lakelands.

Commenting on the recognition, Neal said: “It is a real honour to be awarded the Golden Keys and to become a member of Les Clefs d’Or. The process reinforces the values and service standards the association is known for around the world, and I am proud to

represent Lough Erne Resort as part of this global concierge community.”

Lough Erne Resort General Manager

Gareth Byrne added: “This is a significant professional milestone and a proud moment for the entire team. Les Clefs d’Or membership is recognised internationally as a hallmark of excellence in concierge service, and Neal’s Golden Keys are a reflection of the care, dedication and attention to detail our guests experience every day at Lough Erne Resort.”

Neal Graham reinforcing our position as a global leader in Cantonese fine dining.”