Time to Pull the Staycation Lever
There was a point, not that long ago, where it felt like tourism had found its footing again. Late 2025 rolled into early 2026 with a bit more confidence. International travel was returning, bookings were building, and operators could start planning ahead without second guessing every move. Not a boom, but a more stable base to work from.
That has shifted again.
Fuel has come back into the conversation, and quickly, at a level not seen in decades. Rising oil prices are already flowing through to aviation. Flights are being cut
back, fares are lifting, and the overall experience of travelling, particularly internationally, is becoming more expensive and less predictable.
For the hotel sector, the instinct is often to read that as downside. It is, but only if it is looked at in isolation.
What tends to happen in these cycles is not that people stop wanting a break. They just start recalibrating what that break looks like. The long haul trip gets pushed out. The regional flight becomes harder to justify. Even the idea of a long drive starts to lose appeal when fuel costs are sitting front of mind. That is where the staycation conversation starts to reappear, but in a slightly different form this time.
This is not just about saving money. It is about convenience, certainty, and reducing friction. If travel feels complicated, staying closer to home becomes the easier decision. That creates a window for operators.
Not a guaranteed uplift, and not something that will carry itself, but a genuine opportunity if it is handled properly.
The key shift is that proximity alone is not enough. A room down the road is not competing with another destination, it is competing
with staying at home. That raises the bar.
This is where hotels can lean into experience.
Events, themed weekends, partnerships with local food and beverage operators, small-scale entertainment, wellness offers, late checkout packages, anything that gives people a reason to leave the house rather than just a place to land. The operators who treat this as programming rather than pricing will be the ones who stand out.
There is also a timing element. Travel disruption tends to move faster than consumer behaviour. There is usually a gap between when flights get cut and when people fully adjust their plans. That gap is where hotels can position themselves early.
None of this removes the broader pressure. If fuel volatility continues, overall travel demand will tighten. Fewer trips, more cautious spending, shorter booking windows.
But within that, there is still movement.
The question for operators is are you ready to be innovative. If a customer decides not to travel, what are you giving them that makes staying local feel like a fun choice, not the backup plan? l
PUBLISHER: Tania Walters
ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Kieran Mitchell
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Caitlan Mitchell
owned
CONTENT MANAGERS: Caroline Boe
EDITORIAL TEAM: Sam Francks, Jenelle Sequeira
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Raymund Santos
TIA Welcomes Tourism Policy Statement
TIA said developing a Tourism Policy Statement would formalise the structure, roles and ambition for the local tourism industry.
Tourism Authority Aotearoa (TIA) has welcomed the Government’s announcement of developing a Tourism Policy Statement to formalise the structure, roles and ambition for New Zealand’s tourism industry.
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Auckland Puts on a Show
More than 50 major events in Auckland over summer and higher visitor numbers helped drive a thriving season for Tāmaki Makaurau. From December to the end of daylight saving, Auckland will have hosted more than 50 major events as well as hundreds more medium and small events, adding to the region’s vibrancy and positively impacting the hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors.
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Changes for Hyatt After ACCC Investigation
Hyatt hotels in Australia have changed their card payment surcharging practices, following an ACCC investigation.
After receiving reports from consumers, the ACCC investigated Hyatt Regency Sydney and engaged with the regional group, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, about card payment surcharges.
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Hilton Focus on EMEA
The Europe, Middle East and Africa market is the focus for Hilton, which announced it would double its lifestyle portfolio in EMEA.
Hilton is set to grow its lifestyle portfolio to more than 200 trading and pipeline properties in EMEA. As part of this growth, the company has announced multiple new signings across its lifestyle and Collection brand portfolio, including the debut for Motto by Hilton in France and Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Germany.
With owner demand and traveller appetite for experience-led stays continuing to rise, Hilton has now surpassed 100 trading lifestyle hotels across EMEA, reinforcing lifestyle as one of the company’s most dynamic growth segments.
Hilton’s lifestyle portfolio in the region has more than doubled over the past three years, driven by both new build and conversion opportunities across urban, resort and culturally significant destinations. This growth reflects increasing demand for brands that combine distinctive, locally inspired experiences with the scale, performance and commercial strength of Hilton’s global platform.
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Cordis Auckland Welcomes Steve Woods
Steve Woods has joined Cordis, Auckland, as its Director of Sales and Marketing following an extensive career across the globe.
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Radisson Hotel Group Expands Its Fiji Portfolio
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of Mana Island Resort & Spa Fiji, a member of Radisson Individuals, marking a significant milestone in the Group's South Pacific expansion.
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AI Use Grows Among Independent Providers
Independent accommodation providers have accelerated the use of AI as the 2026 market becomes more demanding.
Industry data has suggested independent accommodation providers are increasingly turning to practical AI tools to improve efficiency and stay competitive in a more demanding market.
The shift comes as PwC’s latest hotels forecast says the UK hotel sector enters 2026 with “a sense of resilience and renewed confidence,” supported by strong international demand, event-led travel and a steady recovery in domestic leisure.
PwC forecasts 1.5 percent RevPAR growth and 1.2 percent occupancy growth across various markets in 2026. But, it also points to ongoing cost pressure, tighter margins and softer rate growth, increasing the need for operators to find new efficiencies.
Against this backdrop, industry research suggests independent operators are responding by adopting practical, guest-facing AI tools that are easier to deploy, quicker to deliver value and better suited to agile operating models than the more complex rollouts seen at larger chains.
A survey of 1,485 hotels across six European markets by the Institute of Tourism at HES-SO Valais-Wallis found that 41 percent of independent hotels are already using AI, and a further 16 percent plan to adopt it. The study found independents are deploying guestfacing tools, such as content generation, chatbots, and review analytics, while chain hotels lean towards back-office applications, including revenue management and predictive analytics.
The same research also found that larger and more complex
hotel groups struggle with data integration and organisational inertia as they try to scale AI across their operations.
This finding aligns with wider industry research from hospitality consultancy h2c. Its global study of 171 hotel chains, representing over 11,000 properties, found that while 78 percent of hotel chains are already using AI, most initiatives remain experimental, and only seven percent have a company-wide AI strategy. The report suggests chains face greater barriers to scaling AI due to integration challenges with legacy systems.
These findings show that independent operators are more agile at adopting targeted technologies that boost efficiency without losing the personalised guest experiences that set them apart.
That agility is central to Independent Accommodation Day, created by eviivo, a property management system used by more than 28,000 boutique hotels, B&Bs, inns, vacation rentals and other accommodation providers, to celebrate independently owned and operated accommodation businesses worldwide and their vital role in tourism and guest choice.
“Independent properties like ours can move fast when new tools emerge, and that’s what we’re seeing with AI. We were quick to adapt new AI-powered guest communication tools capable of instant but curated responses, for both prospects and in-house guests, and we’re excited to scale them up across other areas of operations. It’s a powerful way to work more efficiently while still keeping the
personal touch that makes staying at Brambles of Inveraray so unique,” said Victoria Thomson, Owner of Brambles of Inveraray, a boutique and luxury accommodation on the west coast of Scotland.
“We are already seeing benefits from using AI in the day-to-day management of an accommodation business. It helps make bookings and communication with guests much smoother, allowing owners and managers to organise themselves better behind the scenes. The biggest difference is that owners spend less time behind desks and more time with their guests, ensuring their stay is as pleasant as possible,” said Séverine Meyrueis, Owner of Kerkeys, an agency specialised in supporting accommodation owners in Provence.
“Independent Accommodation Day celebrates the energy, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that define independent accommodation,” said Ruth Whitehead, COO of eviivo.
“From boutique hotels and B&Bs to inns and vacation rentals, these businesses are shaped by the people behind them, their passion, personality and commitment to making guests feel genuinely welcome. eviivo is proud to have long supported the independents and championed the vital contribution they make to the hospitality industry. They have always been agile and quick to adapt, and increasingly, we are seeing them embrace emerging technologies like AI to operate more efficiently while continuing to deliver the thoughtful and distinctive hospitality that makes independent stays more special.” l
Looking After New Zealand’s Infrastructure
Infrastructure New Zealand said it was essential that the country's infrastructure was looked after, especially during the current economic climate.
New Zealand must urgently rebalance how it invests in infrastructure, focusing far more on maintaining and optimising what already exists, according to a new report launched by Infrastructure New Zealand and written by Beca.
The report warns that decades of underinvestment in maintenance, combined with fragmented funding approaches, are placing increasing pressure on essential infrastructure networks across the country.
Infrastructure New Zealand Chief Executive Nick Leggett said the findings point to a fundamental shift required in how New Zealand approaches infrastructure.
“New Zealand doesn’t have a shortage of infrastructure ambition; we have a discipline problem. We’ve prioritised building new assets while allowing existing ones to degrade. That set-and-forget mentality is now catching up with us.”
The report calls for a decisive move toward longterm asset management, improved planning, and funding models that support maintenance and renewal, not just new builds.
“Better outcomes for communities and the economy will come from getting more out of what we already have. That means investing earlier, more consistently, and with far greater discipline across the full lifecycle of assets.”
Importantly, Leggett said the current fuel supply disruption highlights an immediate opportunity for the government.
“A fuel shock means there is a strong case for prioritising maintenance and renewal work across central and local government assets. That keeps businesses operating, supports jobs, and ensures productivity continues.”
The report outlines how improved asset management practices can extend asset life, reduce long-term costs, and improve service delivery. Key recommendations include:
• Embedding long-term asset management planning across all infrastructure sectors
• Aligning funding tools with asset management approaches
• Strengthening accountability for maintenance and renewal performance
The report also highlights the need for stronger system-wide oversight and assurance.
“If we are serious about lifting performance, we need a single national regulator that can set standards, monitor performance and ensure consistent asset management practices across the board, if given appropriate powers, the Infrastructure Commission is in a good position to take on this role.”
Current funding settings are also criticised for favouring new capital expenditure over maintenance, increasing long-term costs and reducing resilience.
“Smarter funding is not about spending more, it’s about investing better. Right now, we are often deferring maintenance only to pay significantly more later.”
With population growth, climate pressures, and fiscal constraints all intensifying, the report argues that improving asset management is one of the fastest and most practical ways to lift national productivity.
“This is not just about fixing pipes and roads. It’s about ensuring New Zealand’s infrastructure system is reliable, resilient, and economically productive. If we get this right, the gains are immediate and long-lasting.” l
Allen Varghese & Lisa Shin
JOIN SHERATON
Sheraton Grand Sydney has welcomed Chef Allen Varghese and Chef Lisa Shin to lead its elevated food and beverage offerings.
Chef Allen Varghese will lead the culinary vision behind Sydney Common’s refreshed menus, bringing a globally informed perspective shaped by some of the world’s most respected kitchens. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Allen’s career spans Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels, including Pierre Gagnière’s three-Michelin-starred restaurants in London, Park Hyatt Toronto, and Crown Sydney.
With a philosophy rooted in sustainable, ingredient-led cooking, Chef Varghese is known for his thoughtful refinement and commitment to showcasing the very best of Australian produce. His appointment signals an exciting new chapter for Sydney Common, with a renewed focus on seasonality, precision, and elevated simplicity.
Chef Lisa Shin joins as Sous Chef, overseeing the daily execution
of the Sydney Common kitchen. Originally from Korea, Chef Shin brings a strong foundation in classical French and Italian techniques, underpinned by a disciplined and deeply considered approach to her craft.
Her cooking is defined by clean, balanced flavours, technical precision, and a meticulous understanding of temperature, texture, and timing. With a philosophy grounded in continuous improvement and self-discipline, Chef Shin ensures every dish leaving the pass is intentional, confident, and refined.
“We are delighted to welcome Allen and Lisa to the team,” said David Lance, General Manager at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park.
“Their combined experience, creativity, and shared commitment to excellence will play a pivotal role in further enhancing Sydney
Common’s dining experience. We look forward to seeing their vision come to life.”
Chef Varghese said he was excited to join Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park and lead the next evolution of Sydney Common.
“There is an incredible opportunity to celebrate Australia’s produce through a menu that is both thoughtful and expressive, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to bring this to life,” he said.
Chef Lisa Shin added that she was really happy to be part of the team at Sydney Common.
“It’s a kitchen that cares about the details, and that’s something I really connect with.”
These appointments come at a time of continued evolution for Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, as the hotel strengthens its position as one of Sydney’s leading dining destinations. l
A New Chapter for Sofitel Style
Inspired by the spirit of Paris, Sofitel has introduced Le Vestiaire, a global wardrobe created as a statement of style and self-expression.
Created in collaboration with French designer Cordelia de Castellane, the global collection blends couture sensibility with everyday sophistication, a mix-and-match expression of elegance designed for Sofitel’s world of modern luxury.
The new collection, Le Vestiaire, empowers Sofitel’s 25,000 employees from front office to housekeeping to proudly dress with individuality and ease, reflecting the effortless chic of French style.
From refined tailoring to pieces enriched with Sofitel’s hand-drawn
prints and monogram, the collection has woven a quiet identity into every detail. Designed for inclusivity and ease, it balances modern comfort with French elegance, adapting seamlessly to cultures, climates and hotel personalities across the globe.
One Vestiaire.
Thousands of Expressions
Comprising more than 45 pieces and a curated selection of refined accessories, Le Vestiaire has captured the creative, cosmopolitan spirit of Paris, where elegance is never uniform, and
individuality is always in style. Designed with versatility at its core, the collection enables each Sofitel hotel, resort, and residence to curate a wardrobe fitting the local culture while maintaining Sofitel’s signature French elegance. With silhouettes designed to adapt to each culture, climate, and character, Le Vestiaire offers one wardrobe with thousands of possibilities. Sofitel employees are empowered to curate their own “vestiaire”, freely mixing and matching a range of versatile pieces to create silhouettes suiting
different body shapes, personal preferences, and levels of comfort.
“We are entering a moment when Sofitel has fully regained its pride, at a time when so many of our hotels are being beautifully renovated, such as Sofitel New York, Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile, and many more and when new Sofitel properties are opening around the world as true flagships of the brand, it was essential to me that our teams, the very essence of luxury, could also benefit from this new era of beauty," said Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems.
"It felt only natural that they should shine more than ever. I am delighted by this collaboration with Cordelia de Castellane, who has perfectly captured the spirit of a refined, timeless wardrobe, celebrating French elegance and luxury.”
Pride in Every Detail
The Vestiaire was designed with teams in mind, shaped by those who wear it every day. Each cut, fabric, and detail ensures optimal comfort, a perfect fit, and a sense of pride, allowing employees to move freely, feel confident, and
embody Sofitel’s elegance in every gesture.
Iconic French designer Cordelia de Castellane channelled timeless Parisian style in Le Vestiaire, shaped by a career steeped in French couture and the exceptional savoir-faire of the ateliers where she perfected her craft.
Timeless cuts, tactile fabrics, and expressive hues define the collection, with each piece crafted to move seamlessly between formality and ease. The result is a modern interpretation of the French art de vivre, refined, spirited, and beautifully attuned to the people who wear it.
A harmonious palette of navy blue, coconut milk, beige, and denim blue anchors the collection, chosen for its timeless appeal and its ability to complement every complexion and environment. Tailored silhouettes are enhanced by expressive accessories, including belts and scarf brooches, that subtly feature the Cultural Link, Sofitel’s iconic logo symbolising a bridge between cultures.
In parallel, the graphic Sofitel logo is reinterpreted through a series of exclusive monogram prints woven
into scarves, shirts, dresses, and ties, transforming the brand’s visual signature into a refined, luxurious design language.
Luxury Designed to Last
Guided by Sofitel’s Committed Luxury philosophy, Le Vestiaire is crafted with longevity in mind. Each piece balances elegance with endurance, designed to stand the test of time both stylistically and physically. Timeless cuts, durable fabrics, and meticulous attention to detail ensure the wardrobe remains relevant season after season.
Sustainability is approached as a luxury value, not a compromise. Materials are selected for their quality, breathability, and durability, while repairability is integrated into the design process to extend the life of each garment.
From the first sketch to the final stitch, every element reflects a modern vision of French craftsmanship, where responsibility and refinement go hand in hand, and where lasting beauty is the ultimate expression of luxury.
Sofitel’s new Le Vestiaire will begin rolling out in hotels worldwide from the end of 2026. l
Sweet Home USA
The United States is widely known for its versatility, from breathtaking natural landscapes to some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions.
Just like the rest of the world, the travel market in the United States has had its challenges in recent years. Swaying traveller preferences, increased costs, and ongoing complications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic have meant operators, both independent and global chains, are clinging onto the hope that the market will eventually return to a sense of normality.
A clear indication this could be the case came in February, when travel data suggested a broad acceleration in demand following a positive but subdued January.
Travel spending rose 3.4 percent year over year to USD 102 billion, and hotel RevPAR turned positive across all location types, reaching a 4.3 percent national average year over year growth compared to 0.4 percent in January. Resort properties led with 5.8 percent growth.
Looking ahead, several risks have emerged, including tariff-related supply shocks, oil prices pushing above USD 100 per barrel, and financial market volatility, each of which may pressure consumer
spending and business investment in the near term.
Another concern for the industry is the slow momentum of the labour market, which hasn’t stepped in the same direction as demand. Employment in the leisure and hospitality industries declined by 27,000 jobs during February, marking a second consecutive monthly contraction, while sector wage growth matched the national average, rising 3.7 percent.
Overseas arrivals turned positive after nine consecutive monthly declines, rising 0.8 percent in February, though this recovery appears partly attributable to the Lunar New Year calendar shift from January 2025 to February 2026. A single month of marginal growth does not reverse the cumulative demand erosion of the prior nine months. Year-to-date arrivals remain 1.9 percent below the previous year.
The domestic picture is stronger, though uneven. Air passenger throughput grew 2.7 percent to 64.3 million, and hotel demand increased 2.9 percent, with
RevPAR turning positive across every location type, reaching a 4.3 percent national average compared to 0.4 percent in January.
Short-term rental demand declined 6.3 percent, extending its contraction to five consecutive months even as the hotel sector expanded. On the forward-looking side, the share of meeting planners reporting an improved outlook fell to 24 percent, down from 46 percent in December.
The 2026 calendar year is expected to bring an avalanche of tourists to the United States. The nation’s 250th anniversary celebration has a number of major events in its pipeline, and the United States is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico in June and July this year.
Key destinations, such as Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Hawaii, have steadied a strong cohort of travellers. Elevated by being a popular stop-off destination for international flights, travellers are choosing to stay longer as an added experience on their holidays. l
Beachside Bliss in Florida
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida, just minutes from Miami Beach, introduces its newest and most private accommodation, The Beach Villa, a four-bedroom oceanfront residence located within Seaway at The Surf Club, a new residential enclave anchored by a historic oceanfront structure originally completed in 1936.
Now joining the hotel’s residential-style accommodations, The Beach Villa offers a fully serviced private retreat set along the pristine Surfside shoreline. Overlooking one of Miami’s longest uninterrupted stretches of beach, it provides a direct connection to the oceanfront setting that has long defined The Surf Club.
Seaway at the Surf Club
Seaway at The Surf Club, situated at the northern edge of The Surf Club, is a boutique enclave of private homes across two stone buildings, anchored by a restored 1936 oceanfront residence originally known as Seaway Villas and now home to The Beach Villa. Widely recognised as one of Surfside’s earliest oceanfront multi-family properties, and designated historically
significant by Miami-Dade County, the two-storey building has been carefully preserved, maintaining the architectural character that once shaped early beachfront life along this stretch of the Atlantic.
Built during the same era that first established The Surf Club as an icon by the ocean, it reflects an early vision centred on comfort, scale, and a true connection to the shoreline. Rather than towering above, the building embraced a modest scale suited to the coast, offering something distinctive for its time: a true home at the water’s edge.
The two adjacent stone towers of Seaway at The Surf Club also mark an architectural milestone as the first residential towers designed by French architect and designer Joseph Dirand, internationally recognised for his work on private homes and interiors for some of the
Spanning approximately 5,200 square feet (500 square metres) across two levels, the villa is designed to embrace seamless indoor-outdoor living, with expansive living and dining areas that frame views of the Atlantic Ocean.
world’s most renowned hospitality and lifestyle names, including the interiors of Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club. In shaping the towers, Dirand reimagined the original layout with a careful respect for its proportions, drawing inspiration from the sculptural forms of a sandcastle and bringing this vision to life through Perla stone, whose soft, sand-like tones create a cohesive presence along the shoreline.
The Beach Villa
Complementing Seaway at The Surf Club’s architectural vision, the interiors of The Beach Villa, set within the restored historic structure, were designed by Fort Partners’ Head of Creative Gabriela Navarro, bringing warmth, texture, and a refined coastal character to the space.
“The vision for The Beach Villa was to create a space that feels like a true home by the ocean; intimate, layered, and quietly refined, introducing natural fibres, soft tones, and a thoughtful mix of vintage and custom pieces to give the residence a sense of character and ease,” said Gabriela Navarro.
“Working in harmony with Joseph Dirand’s architecture, the goal was to sit effortlessly within the setting and frame it, allowing the materials and the proximity to the ocean to define the experience. What makes it special is this balance of privacy, design, and the level of service that transforms it into something entirely unique.”
Spanning approximately 5,200 square feet (500 square metres) across two levels, the villa is designed to embrace seamless indoor-outdoor living, with expansive living and dining areas that frame views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The villa includes a primary suite overlooking the Atlantic, along with a spacious primary bathroom featuring a freestanding soaking tub positioned to take in uninterrupted views of the water. Three additional guest bedrooms complete the villa, one of which features double beds ideal for families or groups travelling together.
Outdoors, the villa opens onto a private oceanfront setting with a 300-square-foot (30 square metre) pool and gardens by renowned landscape designer Peter Wirtz, celebrated for his work at the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris and other notable landscapes, offering a secluded space for relaxation and leading directly to the beach through a private gated entrance.
Additional residential features include a fully equipped kitchen crafted in Perla stone, designed as a statement element that reflects the architectural language of the building, along with a laundry room and a private in-residence elevator connecting both levels, as well as dedicated underground parking for discreet arrival and departure. A dedicated butler, private chef, and housekeeper further elevate the experience. l
Where Italy Meets Country Music
Imagine the finest examples of Italian cuisine found in the capital of country music. Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville has announced that the public will be able to try its highly anticipated Tuscaninspired steakhouse, Bacco.
Inspired by Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and revelry, Bacco celebrates the warmth, abundance, and conviviality of Italian hospitality through a spirited Tuscan steakhouse experience. The restaurant blends refined Italian culinary traditions with the lively energy of Music City, creating a destination designed for everything from celebratory evenings to relaxed dinners with friends.
“Bacco has been thoughtfully imagined as a place where great food, wine, and conversation
come together,” said Sunil Narang, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Nashville.
“From the design of the space to the flavours on the plate, every element reflects the joy and generosity of Italian dining culture. We’re thrilled to finally open our doors and welcome Nashville to experience it.”
The menu celebrates the bold flavours and seasonal ingredients of Italian cuisine, with a focus on premium steaks, house-made
pastas, and vibrant antipasti. Guests can expect expertly prepared pasta dishes such as Gnocchetti Sardi with spicy ‘nduja, sambuca, and ParmigianoReggiano, and Conchiglie Al Pesto with zucchini, squash blossom, and basil, alongside a world-class selection of dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and refined entrees, including Broiled Whole Branzino with slow roasted oven tomatoes and Sicilian fennel butter, and Braised Lamb Belly with cannellini bean and pickled onion salad.
The menu also highlights refined antipasti offerings, including Charred and Chilled Prawns with Calabrian salsa verde and Coriander-Cured Tuna Loin with heirloom tomato hearts and lime, alongside shareable starters such as Bruschetta alla Mortadella with sweet n’ sour cherry mostarda and Sicilian pistachio.
“Bacco is a celebration of everything we love about Italian culture, from exceptional food and wine to the energy of gathering around the table,” said Nishaan
Chavda, Director of Operations at Bacco.
“We are proud to bring a concept to Nashville that embraces both authenticity and revelry, creating an experience that feels elevated, yet inviting.”
The culinary experience unfolds within a richly layered space designed by internationally acclaimed design studio AvroKO. Located just off the Hotel’s main lobby, Bacco features a dramatic central bar and lounge, an intimate dining room anchored by an open
From the design of the space to the flavours on the plate, every element reflects the joy and generosity of Italian dining culture. We’re thrilled to finally open our doors and welcome Nashville to experience it.
kitchen and custom dry-ageing cabinet, and two private dining rooms for special gatherings. Guests can also enjoy the restaurant’s expansive all-seasons terrazza, an outdoor terrace and bar inspired by the Italian Riviera, designed to transition seamlessly from sunny afternoons to vibrant evenings.
Spanning more than 8,000 square feet (750 square metres) across indoor and outdoor spaces, the restaurant combines Tuscan elegance with Nashville character through textured materials, warm tones, custom furnishings, and playful nods to Spaghetti Westerns that create an atmosphere both transportive and unmistakably local.
Bacco’s bar program will further enhance the experience with a curated Italian wine list and a cocktail program designed to balance Italian tradition with contemporary creativity, offering guests a lively gathering place from aperitivo hour through late evening. l
Loews Hotels & Co Introduces Alchemy
Loews Hotels & Co has introduced its latest mixology programme, Alchemy by Loews Hotels, a multi-sensory collection of signature beverages.
Loews Hotels & Co has announced the launch of Alchemy by Loews Hotels, a brand-wide beverage program crafted to transform cocktails and Free Spirited offerings into a transportive moment shaped by creativity and attention to detail. Inspired by botanical apothecaries and the art of intentional craft, Alchemy by Loews Hotels introduces thoughtfully composed drinks layered with subtle sensory elements that enhance flavour, mood, and connection, while showcasing the mixology prowess of the Loews beverage team.
Catering to travellers' increased interest in out-of-the-box food and beverage experiences, Alchemy by Loews Hotels embraces a refined
approach to multi-dimensional hospitality. The program focuses on intuitive craftsmanship and the idea that how a drink feels on arrival is as important as how it tastes.
"Alchemy by Loews Hotels is about elevating the everyday ritual of enjoying a beverage into something quietly memorable," said Grant Hewitt, Vice President of Beverage, Loews Hotels & Co.
"Every detail, from aroma and temperature to glassware and texture, is considered with intention. The result is an experience that feels personal, artisanal, and deeply rooted in hospitality."
Alchemy by Loews Hotels features layered presentations including house-made tinctures, herbal infusions, small-batch
mixers, spritzers, and curated bottles that tell a story. Each element is designed to complement, not overpower, the drink's core flavour profile. Each participating property will interpret the program through a local lens, incorporating regional ingredients, seasonal botanicals, and destination-inspired flavours.
Alchemy by Loews Hotels builds on the brand's reputation for innovative, guest-centred food and beverage programming. As consumer preferences continue to shift toward personalisation, craftsmanship, and Free Spirited options, the program meets guests where they are, offering elevated experiences that feel intentional, balanced, and distinctly Loews. l
Clash of the Titans at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel
A refined, velvety cocktail that balances Tanqueray No. Ten with feta honey, clarified lemon juice, and St-Germain. Finished with an airy egg white foam and garnished with a feta cube and freshly cracked black pepper tableside, delivering a savory-meets-citrus experience that is both bold and nuanced.
Lychee Rose Royale at Loews Atlanta Hotel Light, floral, and elegantly structured, this cocktail blends Ketel One Botanicals Grapefruit & Rose with lychee, St-Germain, and fresh lemon juice. Finished with a silky foam and orange blossom mist, it's garnished with a dried rose bud for a fragrant, refined presentation.
Volcán de Mi Tierra at Loews Miami Beach Hotel
An elevated white Negroni presented as a tableside ritual. Served under a glass cloche filled with grapefruit smoke, the cocktail reveals bright citrus aromatics upon presentation, creating a dramatic, immersive experience.
Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer
A range of celebrity chefs will come together in aid of charity for Four Season Houston's seventh Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer event.
Four Seasons Hotel Houston and the Camp H-Town board of directors will host the seventh annual Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer event on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Benefitting Camp H-Town, this much-anticipated evening is one of the city’s premier philanthropy events.
Taking place in the Hotel’s Grand Ballroom, Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer will feature 22 chefs from Houston’s best restaurants, coming together for an unforgettable night of spectacular food, drinks and impactful fundraising. While the chefs showcase bites of their
restaurant’s signature dishes at live action stations, and spectacular wines will be flowing, as well as live entertainment provided by DJ G-Funk of BELLOSOUND.
Television news personality Samica Knight will emcee the event.
Following last year’s record fundraising, Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer will again feature an extensive silent auction, including wine and dining experiences, luxury goods and Four Seasons hotel stays around the country. A few very special live auction items will also be offered, including a beach house vacation in Rosemary Beach, Florida; batting practice with the Houston Astros; a dinner at home by Chef Charles Clark of Brasserie 19; a riverfront getaway in Snowmass, Colorado; and a five-night stay in an overwater bungalow suite at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. A pair of 18k yellow gold earrings with turquoise gemstones and diamonds, created by New York jeweller Peter Martino, will be raffled off as well. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Camp H-Town, the summer sleepaway camp at Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Conducted in collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s
Cancer Hospital, the oncology camp provides kids who have been touched by cancer with a fun and safe camp environment at no financial cost to the campers’ families.
This year’s Camp H-Town follows the storybook-themed Once Upon a Camp, and campers will enjoy activities at the Hotel and at surrounding city attractions including a Houston Astros baseball game; a Formal Dinner & Dance Party, beginning with a pampering self-care day, followed by an exciting dinner and dance party at Four Seasons Hotel Houston; and a day at the Lakewood Yacht Club, where campers will take a scenic cruise, enjoy pool time at the Club, and wrap up with a delicious dinner.
"We're excited to bring the community together in celebrating our homegrown culinary stars with an evening of connection, intention, and indulgence,” said Tom Segesta, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Houston.
“After last year’s record-breaking fundraising, we look forward to raising even more this year to help these incredible kids enjoy a summer camp experience like no other, created just for them.” l
Roasted in Tāmaki Makaurau, proudly poured at over 100 cafes and restaurants across Aotearoa.