The “Thasveeru: Maldives Through Art” competition invites local and international artists to paint and interpret the Maldives under the theme, “Celebration of Nature: Beautiful Ecosystems’’, in collaboration with the Maldivian Artist Community (MAC).
The theme was selected to show that Maldives has a diverse range of natural habitats and offers more than the award-winning beaches it is known for.
The competition is a unique initiative launched for the first time under the social media strategies of Visit Maldives in order to promote the destination as a top choice for travellers in the global market and increase engagement on the Visit Maldives social media platforms. Additionally, it empowers the local artist community and utilises a variety of creative mediums to highlight the awe-inspiring beauty of the destination and its natural ecosystems.
With unparalleled service, sweeping views, and culturally immersive programming, The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City brings this capital city to life in a distinct way
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has announced the debut of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, providing discerning travellers with a new way to discover one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. Transforming the city’s skyline and sitting amongst the country’s tallest buildings, the hotel is centrally located along the iconic Paseo de Reforma and showcases uninterrupted views of the famed Chapultepec Park. Featuring the legendary service of the brand’s Ladies and Gentlemen, each detail of the hotel is thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the city’s rich culture and offer a unique perspective on this beloved destination.
“We are thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Mexico City, exemplifying our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and creating meaningful memories in the world’s most exciting markets,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Ritz-Carlton. “Whether enjoying a hotel tour with a local historian to be immersed into the Mexican rituals and celebrations that inspired the hotel design, or allowing our Ladies and Gentlemen to curate a day of exploration in the city, we are excited to provide both guests and locals with a unique lens on this incredible destination.”
Soaring 58-stories high, The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, is located in a stunning building concepted by Taller G and features 153 guest rooms and suites. Capitalising on its enviable location and views, a double glass façade provides unique open-air terraces, inviting guests to discover a new perspective on the enchanting city. The interiors, designed by Chapi Chapo Design, were created to serve as a looking glass into Mexico City’s dynamic past, present, and future. Paying homage to the city’s profound influence on the surrealist art movement, the hotel embraces the way famed Mexican artists like Frida Kahlo, Gunther Gerzso and Leonora Carrington celebrated their indigenous roots and broke away from colonial influences. At The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, the use of metals, mirrors and glass serve to reflect the exterior into the interior, creating a surrealist experience by playing with perspective and distorting the surrounding, traditional architecture. While a neutral colour palette invokes a sense of calm, shades of smokey ash, deep blues, and metallic fibres are woven in throughout the hotel as a nod to Mexican storytelling and folklore.
“The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City will act as a literal and figurative gateway along the Paseo de Reforma, welcoming and encouraging guests to learn about the colourful history, dynamic present and bright future of Mexico City,” stated Luis Lopez, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City. “The Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City are eager to welcome our guests and accompany them on a memorable journey during their stay.”
Featuring unparalleled service, The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City celebrates legendary Mexican hospitality and offers guests a highly personalised experience. The hotel features a wide range of carefully curated amenities designed for cultural discovery and epicurean adventures or business travel, including The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge with an exclusive Club Concierge, a heated indoor swimming pool, a large fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment and a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa with six luxurious treatment rooms. Bringing the destination to life in a unique way, The Ritz-Carlton Spa thoughtfully sources local ingredients and botanicals, which are then coupled with the healing and spiritual traditions of Mexico City’s Aztec culture. In addition to relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, the spa features an assortment of wellness areas, including steam rooms, saunas, and a timeless capsule room.
Dining at Samos, the Mediterranean inspired restaurant on the 38th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, guests can enjoy cuisine featuring dynamic local flavours for a one-of-a-kind experience. Bringing vast luxury experience and expertise in Mexican, Italian, French, Peruvian and Argentinian cuisines, Chef Jonathan Felix has carefully created each dish to offer a culinary journey where flavours and sensations are elevated with every bite. The epicurean experiences continue through the dessert course with delicate sweets like Nido, an airy mango and passion fruit mousse encased in white chocolate and cradled by a spun sugar nest.
The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, also offers more than 4,300 square feet of meeting space with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Chapultepec Park, ideally suited for a variety of events from meetings to celebratory occasions. The spaces have been designed to foster inspiration and connection, whether a large gathering in the ballroom or an intimate board meeting.
Casa Cook, the brand behind a collection of adults-only lifestyle hotels, has opened an all-new hotel on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Casa Cook North Coast Egypt will welcome and host guests for an extended season, right up until the end of October. The hotel, located on an expansive salt-water lagoon and with its own private white-sand beach, is close to El Alamein (40km) and 150km from Alexandria. This unique stretch of pristine coastline is popular amongst Egyptians seeking an indulgent escape in beautiful surroundings.
The hotel offers 38 stylish rooms, including two Beach Suites with private terraces and direct beach access, all opening directly onto the salt-water lagoon. True to Casa Cook’s unique approach to space – always striking a balance between private and shared – guests are free to choose whatever suits the moment’s mood, whether that is a social affair, simple relaxation or something in between.
After visiting the Great Scotland Yard hotel we discuss plans, predictions, challenges and design and how general manager Sholto Smith uses his experience and love of travel to curate the perfect stay for hotel guests.
Image courtesy of Great Scotland Yard Hotel – Sholto_Smith
Firstly, great to see the Great Scotland Yard Hotel opening again. How did it feel to start welcoming back guests earlier this summer?
We looked forward to welcoming back Londoners and guests from further afield to experience the hotel, our extraordinary food and beverage venues and warm hospitality. Now that London has reopened, we must focus on promoting London as a safe destination to visit and showcasing the attractions and things to do that are perhaps less crowded, to change the perception of London in the eyes of visitors from near or far. The city is what you make of it and the London experience doesn’t always have to be “metropolitan”. For instance, it actually has great green spaces and beautiful walks, many of which are just on Great Scotland Yard’s doorstep.
It’s been a challenging year for anyone within the hospitality sector, but the ability to adapt has been inspirational. How has the Great Scotland Yard team evolved to cope with the pandemic? This past year has been an incredibly difficult year for hospitality as we found ourselves at the epicentre of the pandemic! We at Great Scotland Yard Hotel did manage to stay open throughout the most recent lockdown, even if at a limited capacity, and welcomed key workers and essential business travellers. This enabled us to keep as many team members as possible in employment during such a difficult and challenging time.
Image courtesy of Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Taking a historic building and adapting it into a luxury hotel must have had its challenges. Were there any surprises along the way and how did the team incorporate and celebrate its past into the hotel we see today?
Great Scotland Yard is one of London’s most iconic addresses and is best known as the former headquarters of the Metropolitan Police. It also served as the London residence of the Scottish Royal Family, an army recruitment office, and The Ministry of Defence.
The hotel is housed in a magnificent 1820’s Grade II listed building with Edwardian & Victorian architecture. We were challenged to keep the soul of the building and to pay homage to its heritage. I feel we have created a space which invites guests to experience the history of the building through new eyes; a place where past and present merge; where history meets modern luxury.
Transforming the building into a luxury hotel keeps the legend alive and allows us to open its doors to the public and share this building’s colourful past with guests from all over the world. Tasteful nods to the building’s past can be found in the interiors. Every nook and cranny has been carefully curated. Key symbols are featured several times in the guestrooms, encouraging guests to unlock the building’s secret past: robe hooks and the handles of the nightstands and minibar are all key-shaped. The blue-veneered guestroom doors are a reference to the police, as are the carpets which integrate elements of badges and uniforms to create a unique modern pattern.
Image courtesy of Great Scotland Yard Hotel
Design and art are a key part of the hotel. Tell us more about the artworks and collections guests can see around the hotel.
Great Scotland Yard’s distinctive art collection was curated by Sarah Percy-Davis of Hollandridge Group. Pieces were commissioned from 28 artists, including Nicola Green, Cornelia Parker, and Alastair Mackie to name a few. Unusually for a hotel, there are bespoke pieces in each bedroom, as well as the public areas. The collection is valued at over £1m.
The collection captures the building’s rich history, with pieces representing crime, detection, and the justice system. The feature piece of the collection is “Service” by Nicola Green, which is a representation of the history of the criminal justice system in the UK. The piece consists of 30 portraits, from notorious criminals, judges, lawyers and politicians, to police, literary figures, and monarchs.
Criminal justice is not just about catching and punishing offenders, but also redemption and reintegration. Our fascinating collection takes a multi-layered approach and reflects all aspects of the system. We work with The Koestler Trust, a charity which promotes the arts in prisons and encourages ex-offenders to use art as a means to rehabilitation.
Who are the types of guests that stay at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel?
A Great Scotland Yard Hotel guest focus is on experiencing the city and engaging with its history, people, culture, and food. They wish to avoid the a-typical hotel experience, in search of a truly authentic individual experience, which celebrates exploration, creativity, and originality through storytelling and unique personalised experiences.
What can guests expect when they arrive at the hotel and how does the team create unique and memorable experiences?
Experience is everything, experience is the new luxury. We pride ourselves on offering a unique and quintessentially quirky twist on a British classic. The team strive to create bespoke experiences for each guest. Expect the Unexpected!
The luxury stay sector has seen a rise in pre COVID years. How have the expectations of guests changed during your career, and how does the Great Scotland Yard Hotel adapt to an ever-demanding audience?
The modern traveller can be less loyal and in pursuit of the undiscovered and the unexpected. Hospitality experiences are no longer on your terms, it’s about delivering a strong narrative that enthrals and rewards the guest and their choice to live life on their own terms. This hotel is a one-off in every sense; a reimagined 5-star hotel. A one-off building, a one-off experience, a one-off chance to change the face of hotels from the cookie-cutter experiences that have come to define the sector. The ultimate reward for those who are independent free spirits and seek a non-hotel experience.
Image courtesy of Great Scotland Yard Hotel
You’ve been a member of the Hyatt Group family for over thirty years. What have been some of your biggest achievements so far?
I would have to say being given the opportunity to open hotels like this one – Great Scotland Yard Hotel! I mean, such a tremendous opportunity. If I were to say anything else on this subject, then it would be the fact that I have been able to grow with the company, travel the world while working with some amazing people, learning from some great leaders and making many friends along the way!
What or who inspired you to pursue a career within the hotel business?
Travel! I like to travel and to see and experience new things, that and enjoy great service! I am a bit of a stickler for things being done properly “The devil is in the detail!” This works on so many levels!
When you’re not overseeing the hotels day to day activities, how do you relax and what is your top holiday destination?
When I am not working I am more often than not in London! I just love London and all it has to offer! Be it great retail experiences, to window shopping! The art galleries collectively house some of the greatest artists of all time, both past and present! There is also the great architecture to take in to consideration too! The other arts world – the kind that takes place on a stage – also what I like to try to get to see as much of as possible! All world class and London is the centre of the universe when it comes to this!
In terms of my top holiday destination – I do not really have one! I am more a city person than resort, albeit that is not to say that I do not enjoy or relish times in the tropics! I certainly do!!
Image courtesy of Great Scotland Yard Hotel
If you could have given your younger self any advice at the start of your career, what would it be, and why?
If I was to answer that question then it would make me look like I look back thinking if I could have done something different or differently, which is not something that I would do. I like to think that I have made the best of opportunities that have been presented to me and for that matter; the ones I have created I feel I have also made the most of those. I prefer to look forward and to what’s around the corner!
If I were to give advice then it would be to say that when opportunity knocks, open the door and take it! Also, it’s very good to listen and to observe!
As the summer months draw to a close and the winter blues creep in, there’s no better time to organise a spontaneous trip away at one of Greece’s finest hotels, located on the beautiful island of Rhodes.
The Ixian Grand & All Suites is renowned for its diverse offering, world-class service, unparalleled views of Ixia Bay and the Aegean sea, plus its exceptional hospitality.
Ideally located on the beachfront, the 5-star gem offers an array of stunning accommodation options, each with impressive, high-end facilities. The Grand Suite with Private Pool and Garden View offers comfort, chic décor, and privacy, while the Beachfront Grand Suite set on the waterfront is home to stunning ocean views. The property also features three exquisite freshwater pools and a Jacuzzi corner, along with leisure and sports activities.
Image courtesy of The Ixian Grand & All Suites
Guests can tantalise their tastebuds with an extensive list of restaurant options and bars available, including ‘Milonges’ offering top-quality local Greek favourites and the ‘Muza Htista’ Peruvian A-La-Carte for sumptuous plates of Nikkei cuisine. For cocktail lovers – Truman’s Bar offers some of the best beverages on the island!
For those who seek wellness and pampering, the hotel is home to a luxury wellness Spa, focused on inner healing and rejuvenation, the haven offers an array of treatments, including massages, facials, relaxation programmes and beauty treatments.
Image courtesy of The Ixian Grand & All Suites
The Ixian Grand & All Suites is not just home to impressive facilities and services, but it’s also located on a picture-perfect spot of the island, a short 7km away from Rhodes town and Medival City, and a mere 10-minute drive away from Filerimos, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. Visitors can take a trip into the old town to wander through stone-carved alleyways, visit the traditional fountains, museums, churches, boutiques and cafeterias, scattered through the maze-like infrastructure.
Iconic St. Lucia resort to unveil new accommodations, upgraded culinary outlets, renovated spa and wellness facilities
November 2021 will mark a new chapter for Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, an iconic Caribbean destination located on the shores of the picturesque St. Lucia coastline. Embarking on a five-month closure beginning June 1, the property will reopen its doors on November 1 with an enhanced guest experience through various property renovations and experiential upgrades. Set to debut are nine accommodations, a plethora of upgraded culinary outlets, a brand-new beachside fitness facility and expansive amenity enhancements, including a refreshed spa and new main pool area.
Image courtesy of Viceroy Resorts
“We are excited to kickstart this multi-phase renovation journey that will bring a new and elevated luxury guest experience to our already celebrated Sugar Beach property,” says General Manager Mark Sterner. “Every aspect of the renovation has been thoughtfully designed to bring the best out of each space and provide a new level of service, privacy and hospitality to our valued guests. Those visiting in November can expect to see Sugar Beach completely revived and like they’ve never experienced before.”
The property is currently home to various culinary destinations from fine-dining to al-fresco, all set to get a luxury upgrade come November. The fine-dining restaurant, located in the main house, will see an interior refresh that will further show off its grand location overlooking the beach and UNESCO Pitons, alongside the addition of a new open-air bar experience. Down by the beach at the popular al-fresco dining locations, a new barefoot luxury culinary journey will await. Various enhancements will be unveiled, including the expansion of undercover outdoor seating areas that will allow guests to dine beachside no matter the weather.
Image courtesy of Viceroy Resorts
The iconic main pool sitting beneath the edge of the UNESCO Pitons mountains will be completely renovated to debut a new guest experience. A multi-tiered landscaped design of the pool area is being built to house a fleet of exclusive luxury cabanas and a brand-new poolside bar where guests can order light bites and drinks. Also overlooking the main pool, a special events lawn is being landscaped to accommodate the increased requests for private celebrations and functions.
Catering to the soaring demand for private accommodations, November will see the addition of nine new luxury guest rooms. Four one-bedroom beachfront bungalows are being built right on the shoreline, while Five one-bedroom luxury cottages are being built higher up the mountain. Each will unveil a contemporary interior design with a fresh, neutral colour palette, complemented by unmatched views of the estate gardens, Pitons and beach.
Image courtesy of Viceroy Resorts
A brand-new spa and wellness experience will also debut come November. The property’s award-winning Rainforest Spa, nestled in the heart of an actual rainforest surrounded by lush foliage and soaring mountain vistas, will add one couples treehouse treatment room. Bringing the total treatment room count to 10, the new couples treehouse will be built on stilts and perched high above the ground. With a completely different design to the existing treatment rooms, the new treehouse will have large glass windows that overlook the serene forest, an indoor free-standing bathtub, outdoor shower and balcony that will provide various options for couples to relax before and after their treatments. A new spa partner will also be announced when the property reopens alongside an exciting, revised treatment menu and a refreshed lobby space. A new wellness and fitness facility is also being built more centrally located right on the beach and will be home to a gymnasium and yoga studio.
As Sugar Beach is set to unveil this new chapter of its legacy, those visiting from November 2021 will be the first to experience the enhanced product that will be amplified with the property’s well-known, top of the line service and impeccable island hospitality.
Now celebrating 150 years, Palé Hall is an independently owned luxury country house on the edge of Snowdonia in the tranquil Dee valley. This grand, historic, high Victorian mansion features a woodland garden rolling down to the banks of the River Dee – fantastic news for fishing enthusiasts – and Snowdonia National Park is on its doorstep.
New for 2021 are 18 luxurious, individually styled bedrooms with sumptuous décor, plus four garden suites situated within the picturesque estate grounds, including the light and spacious Harper’s Barn, equipped with a patio area and private garden.
Garden Suites – Image courtesy of Palé Hall
Green Michelin Award for sustainable initiatives The hotel was recently awarded a prestigious Michelin Green Star in recognition of its commitment to sustainable practices. Palé Hall’s has its own clean, completely carbon-neutral source of electricity, produced from the on-site hydro-electric generating plant. There are fast-charge units for electric vehicles; the estate is free of pesticides, fungicides or inorganic fertilisers, and the seed compost used is from a sustainable peat resource. The woodland around the Hall is carefully managed to provide good habitats for wildlife. In the restaurant, the team wear uniforms made from recycled plastic, while on the plate, Welsh farmers and businesses are supported as widely as possible, reducing haulage and CO2 emissions.
New suites and barn conversions The newly opened Garden Suites consist of Harper’s Barn – a dramatic two-bedroom barn conversion set across two floors featuring full-height exposed beams, an open plan living area, and a large glass balcony, providing the perfect vista for the views over the garden and hills beyond. Providing a private retreat for two, the Hillside Cottage, with its own garden area and outdoor seating makes it the ideal staycation come summer. Both the Fern Suite and Bracken Suite have been lovingly restored from Palé Hall’s original Victorian Coach House. Impressive features such as stylish and comfortable furniture, a king-sized bed, a roll-top bath, and a walk-in shower make for a remarkable setting with glorious historic appeal.
Head Chef Gareth Stevenson – image courtesy of Palé Hall
Award-winning dining An AA Five Red Star, Relais & Chateaux destination luxury country house hotel, its acclaimed three rosettes and Michelin Green Star fine dining restaurant features signature dishes from Head Chef Gareth Stevenson. Building relationships with local farmers, growers, fishermen, food producers and suppliers means that the menus at Palé Hall allow you to discover some of the finest food from the region, always fresh, seasonal, naturally delicious and, of course, responsibly, humanely and organically produced.
An overnight stay costs from £246 for two sharing a Classic Room, including breakfast palehall.co.uk
Music, art and culture come together at Hard Rock’s first Spanish city hotel
The beginning of July saw the much anticipated Hard Rock Hotel Madrid open its doors. Located at the Golden Triangle of Art in the Spanish capital, the hotel is the newest addition to an international portfolio and compliments the brand’s recent growth throughout Europe.
“Hard Rock Hotels has always felt very in tune with the vibrancy and spirit of Spain. It is one of the reasons we introduced the brand to Europe with Hard Rock Ibiza in 2014, followed by our Tenerife hotel shortly after,” said Dale Hipsh, Senior Vice President of Hotels, Hard Rock International. “As our first Spanish city hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Madrid brings a distinctly different personality to our beach resorts. Our guests will discover art, music, history, culinary excellence and culture at their fingertips – all brought together through Hard Rock’s curated and entertainment-infused hospitality”.
The new hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers, with 161 contemporary rooms and suites (from 18 sq. metres) offering diverse views, so guests can take in the lights of Madrid or retreat from the city with a room overlooking the lush garden. Additionally, over 2,000 sq. metres of event space, including garden and rooftop venues, set the stage for world-class immersive events.
At the heart of the property, guests will find a dramatic architectural hanging guitar sculpture above the welcoming, amber-hued sofas of the lobby. Vibrant artwork is featured throughout the hotel, including a life-size pink ‘Las Meninas’ adorned with Rosalía lyrics, inspired by Diego Velázquez’s masterpiece hanging in the Prado Museum and mural in GMT+1 bar inspired by the La Movida movement in Madrid.
The colourful artwork is complemented by a thoughtfully curated memorabilia collection that showcases Madrid style and culture, as well as international music legends. Hard Rock Hotel Madrid is now home to over 70 pieces of memorabilia, with notable pieces including an acoustic guitar from Madrid-native singer-songwriter Antonio Vega; blue denim jeans outfit worn by Elvis Presley during an NBC TV special in 1968; and platform boots worn by David Bowie.
The property’s premier location in the Triángulo de Oro del Arte is surrounded by the Reina Sofia National Museum, the Prado National Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. Within walking distance, guests can explore the historic art nouveau train station (Atocha), the Royal Botanical Garden, and the charming Lavapiés and Embajadores neighbourhoods.
The hotel will attract travellers and locals alike as it is home to unique bars and restaurant concepts. This includes the brand’s signature restaurant Sessions, with interiors by Rockwell Group, and RT60, a spectacular rooftop bar offering craft cocktails, a jamón carving station with cheese and unbeatable 360-degree views of the city to the beat of live DJ sets. Sessions, with its open and airy terrace, overlooks the hotel’s garden and serves a unique take on classic Spanish cuisine with unexpected culinary delicacies on the menu, whilst the GMT+1 lobby bar offers drinks and light fare throughout the day. The Green Room, a private chef’s table serving an exclusive menu to no more than six guests, is set to open in September.
Lifestyle consultant and international restaurateur Maria Font Trabocchi has played a crucial role in bringing the gastronomy at Hard Rock Hotel Madrid to life with her distinct Spanish spin. As the woman behind Fiola, Fiola Mare, Sfoglina and Del Mar in Washington D.C. and across the United States, Maria has built a career’s worth of successful restaurants based on excellent quality and hospitality.
“I am honoured to be working with Hard Rock Hotels to bring my knowledge, experiences and personal take on restaurants to the capital of my home country,” said Maria. “The hotel is incredibly well-located, and we are confident that it will soon become a social hub and meeting spot for residents in the city as well as visitors. The restaurants offer beautiful surroundings, the food is vibrant, and we look forward to the chef breathing his own emotion and energy into the restaurants now the hotel is officially open”.
The property also encompasses an outdoor swimming pool, Body Rock® fitness centre and Rock Om®, which fuses the ancient practice of yoga with the rhythm of a custom DJ-curated soundtrack for complimentary, in-room yoga sessions.
In true Hard Rock style, the hotel will offer an array of signature brand experiences and amenities exclusive to Hard Rock Hotels, including The Sound of Your Stay®, which allows guests to experience curated playlists (Tracks®), listen to a tailored selection of vinyls in-room (Wax®) or jam on a Fender® electric guitar in the privacy of their own room along with headphones and an amp (Picks®).
The Hari is a stylish retreat in the heart of Belgravia which is designed for those seeking comfort and understated elegance. Bordering the areas of Chelsea, Kensington and Knightsbridge, Harrods is just moments away from and London’s leading attractions can also be found a short walk from the hotel, including Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and The Royal Albert Hall.
Heading up The Hari team is general manager, Andrew Coney. We asked Andrew about his experience within the industry and what makes The Hari a must visit destination.
You’ve been the General Manager of The Hari for over six years; what key attributes and characteristics do you think make you a successful GM?
When I consider why I came into this business it was because I enjoy being hospitable – not a complicated concept. Create a relaxed and enticing environment for your team and guests and it drives a successful business. It is dispiriting that so many operators focus so much on the bottom line and forget about the essence of what we are here to do which is providing consistently wonderful experiences. Empowerment of the team is key. They must be allowed to be spontaneous and creative in what they deliver.
The Hari has been described as a comfortable and elegant place to visit. How does the décor and design interpret this?
We worked together with international interior designer, Tara Bernard, who is a good friend of our CEO and Chairman Dr. Aron Harilela, to create a home-from-home feel to the hotel. As we are located among the residential streets of Belgravia, we wanted an atmosphere that was stylish and inviting. Our rooms each have natural grey tones and textures with hints of aubergine, burgundy or ivy to add warmth. On entering the hotel, guests are met by a large fireplace in an open loft-feel lobby housing a rolling programme of art installations. The lobby lounge features an eclectic library and cosy hideaway areas. The mezzanine level plays host to The Bar and leads to a stylish al fresco Garden Terrace, its Belgravia’s best kept secret.
Who’s the typical guest at The Hari?
The Hari’s typical guest is a discerning traveller, they are sophisticated, well-read and like to truly get under the skin of the city they are visiting. Always on the lookout for authentic opinions and unexpected travel tips, a guest at The Hari is eager to experience the more hidden and curious side of travel.
There’s been quite a success story with The Hari London’s TripAdvisor position in the last four years. What has contributed to this success, and do you have your eyes on the number 1 spot?
We would be lying if we said they weren’t! The team have worked incredibly hard to get to where we are, and I think it naturally comes down to our personalised service. We are always keeping an eye out on how to make a guest’s stay more memorable. We call opportunities like this our ‘Stories to Inspire’ with which everyone is encouraged to do something unique for a guest whether it be to reinforce something positive like an anniversary, or turnaround a negative experience and relieve stress. “Have you had a tough day? Let me send a glass of Champagne to your room” – that can work magic.
The Hari extended it’s offering with the opening of il Pampero in 2017. What can visitors expect to see on the menu?
At our neighbourhood restaurant, il Pampero, you can expect a traditional Italian menu complemented by an impressive wine and cocktail list – worth a visit alone for our signature Cacio e Pepe, which comes served tableside tossed in a giant wheel of Pecorino Romano. New this year, we will be launching a brunch offering at the weekend, offering typical brunch dishes with an Italian twist. Watch this space!
Was there one particular person who inspired you within your career, and how?
I could name numerous leaders and mentors who have guided me but my shout out is for a golf Greenkeeper. I managed a resort property that went through a dramatic case of Norovirus which took most of the hotel team out of action. This young man came to me and said he would work on the golf course in the day but could help in the restaurant in the evening. I asked him what experience he had, and he said none. That evening he spent the whole night reading about wine, our list and the service skills he needed. The next day he was charming all of our guests with his innocent and well-intentioned ambition to look after them and demonstrate the very best in teamwork and collaboration during crisis. I take his example as an inspiration to not be defeated and be ever determined to achieve the impossible.
We’ve seen one of the most unprecedented years in modern times, and its impact on the hospitality sector is undoubtedly disruptive. How do you see the hospitality sector post- COVID and how do you think hotels will operate differently to cope with these?
I am a strong believer that the hospitality industry will bounce back. For so much of this pandemic, people have had to put their life on hold and there are a lot of milestones and celebrations which have been missed. We’ve already seen a huge pick up in wedding enquiries as well as birthday and anniversary celebrations. People are so excited to socialise again and our industry is ready to welcome them. We don’t like to make a big song and dance about all our COVID procedures because for the most part high hygiene standards already featured in our day-to day practice and our guests who are visiting a five-star luxury hotel expect this to be the case.
How do you think people’s expectations of luxury hotels are changing?
Emphasis on sustainability is absolutely key moving forward and is only becoming more and more important. Luxury used to mean being able to provide a buffet sourcing premium ingredient from all over the world, but these days, luxury is much more focused on experiencing local culture and local cuisine. The next generation of travellers are incredibly eco-conscious and so they should be. It is up to us to continue and move forward with what they have started.
The importance of working as a team is a key part of your management style and something you encourage. How much does this factor play in running a successful hotel?
Do we all remember those dreadful words “That’s not my job”? I don’t believe anyone would ever say that at The Hari and the communal sense that we are all here for one another is our ethos. Encouraging work/life balance, taking time to know everyone’s background and story makes the workplace a secure place. I feel strongly that we are here to deliver excellence but also to have time to not take life too seriously.
You invest a lot of time in community-based projects and incentives. Tell us more about those that you are involved in.
We have long supported the local community and have run projects through lockdowns to provide assistance to our neighbourhood, from a mass production of meals for those who would have gone without, to jumping on our Hari bikes to deliver groceries. 2021 will also be about giving back and our charitable work will continue. We want to do even more and are working on projects to support the arts who are in as much of a crisis as us, through sponsoring graduate artists and supporting young live theatre.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
A little mischief here and there is actually probably not such a bad thing at all…….
With a legacy of more than 100 years, Josun Palace showcases a unique heritage-inspired design with modernistic influences, indigenous experiences and impeccable service in one of Seoul’s most upscale neighbourhoods
The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, celebrates its brand debut in South Korea with the opening of Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam. Originally built in 1914 as one of Korea’s first luxury hotels, the hotel is located in Gangnam, one of Seoul’s most vibrant and energetic districts. Just steps from the city’s most popular shopping and entertainment attractions, including the COEX Mall and Apgujeong, the hotel serves as a gateway to charming and unexpected experiences, including Bongeunsa, a peaceful Buddhist temple and Samneung Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“We are delighted to mark the milestone expansion of our Luxury Collection brand into South Korea with the opening of Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. “The opening of our newest gem further diversifies our exciting collection of hotels in South Korea, offering unique experiences to our discerning guests.”
Palace Gate at Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam. Image courtesy of Marriott International
Josun Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seoul Gangnam, celebrates the heritage of the first opulent hotel in Korea, the century-old Chosun Hotel, once an iconic landmark in the heart of the city. Designed by renowned architectural team Humbert & Poyet of Monaco, Josun Palace redefines luxury by combining sophisticated, modern aesthetics with timeless Korean design elements such as strong lines and bold geometric patterns. The hotel’s arrival area and its Grand Reception usher guests into a world of elegance and impeccable Korean hospitality. Awakening the senses from the moment of arrival to departure, Josun Palace also features a signature fragrance, ‘Lasting Impression’, throughout all its spaces, evoking the mystery and elegance of incense.
“Seoul is a vibrant and culturally rich city, making it a natural fit for our expanding footprint as we continue to offer our global explorers captivating home bases from which to explore all corners of the world,” said Philipp Weghmann, VP and Global Brand Leader for The Luxury Collection. “Josun Palace will draw on its storied legacy, and we’re delighted to offer our guests distinctive design and exceptional service as they discover this magical destination.”
Each of the hotel’s 254 rooms and suites offers breathtaking views overlooking Seoul and are furnished with the latest amenities for every comfort and convenience. For the ultimate in luxurious and restful night’s sleep, beds are outfitted with Frette’s exclusive ‘Andrea’ line. Each room and suite also features toiletries and bath amenities by The Luxury Collection’s signature ‘Le Chemin’ line by BYREDO, as well as a specialized private bar for guests who enjoy crafting their own cocktails and other drinks in-room.
Josun Palace offers guests five elevated, on-site food and beverage options. For authentic modern Cantonese fine dining, The Great Hong Yuan serves curated seasonal menus, while new Korean contemporary food is showcased in the bright and airy spaces of Eatanic Garden. Constans is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves local and international menu favourites. 1914 Lounge & Bar honours the modern cultural heritage of the old Chosun Hotel, which played host to distinguished guests in the early 20th century. The bar serves tea and light meals in the afternoons and elegant cocktails and classic spirits in the evening, with its nine-meter-high glass windows framing stunning views of the city. Josun Deli the Boutique serves delicious, freshly baked pastries and cakes, along with gourmet coffee and tea for an afternoon treat.
Signature Luxury Collection programs at Josun Palace include epicurean moments with hors d’oeuvres served daily at the Grand Reception, as well as weekly showcases of unique ingredients creating memorable gourmet experiences for guests throughout their stay.
The Josun Wellness Club at Josun Palace features a heated indoor pool and a deck area with panoramic views over the Gangnam skyline. A fully-equipped fitness centre with the latest cardio and resistance training equipment allows guests to maintain their fitness routines during their visit. After a strenuous workout, guests are invited to unwind and relax in the Club’s luxurious sauna facility.
Josun Palace also offers bespoke function rooms and facilities for hosting memorable events, including The Great Hall, which features an extra-large media wall and the latest AV facilities. The Great Hall seats up to 300 guests and has a lavish foyer for pre-function cocktails. For more intimate gatherings, the hotel features the Royal Chamber, which seats up to 140 guests, while the Private Chamber accommodates small to medium-sized social gatherings of up to 110 guests.
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of its first property in the Netherlands. Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam will join the brand’s luxury portfolio in Autumn 2021.
Located in Dam Square in the very heart of Amsterdam, the existing property is currently operating as NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, an icon in the city with over 155 years of history. The museum and shopping districts are on the doorstep, making it the perfect base for exploring the heritage and cultural treasures of this fascinating capital.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam – The White Room
In advance of the Autumn rebrand, the hotel will receive a soft refurbishment, including some of the guest rooms and suites, the garden, and a new spa and gym will be added. The 402-key Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky will embrace guests in contemporary style with Anantara’s signature touches. The two-bedroom Presidential Suite, a spacious layout of 100 sqm, provides ample room for family or friends travelling together. Alternatively, the Royal Suite, overlooking the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, offers 150 sqm of luxury facilities and amenities, which will make guests feel like royalty.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky will be the perfect choice for events imbued with authentic local colour and an array of customised proposals. With capacities ranging from 10 to 1,500, the property offers a unique backdrop for small to large-scale meetings, events, and conferences. With seemingly endless wedding venue options to choose from, The Wintergarden, a 19th-century glass-covered inner garden, has been the choice of many brides throughout generations. It is also the setting of the hotels’ sumptuous breakfast, a temptation to all gourmets.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam – Royal Suite
The building has a magnificent history dating back to 1866, when Mr Adolph Wilhelm Krasnapolsky, a charismatic Polish tailor, opened a tiny coffee house on the site that is now Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. As it grew in popularity, he added rooms for rent and later rebuilt it into a modern hotel that charms visitors with luxurious guest rooms and an indulgent distinct culinary proposition.
Under the signature of three-star Michelin chef Jacob Jan Boerma, The White Room showcases refined, modern cuisine using only fresh ingredients from the Netherlands. Grand Café Krasnapolsky presents an array of classical dishes with a modern twist and the most stunning view over Dam Square, while the award-winning bar The Tailor pays tribute to the founder’s craft with tailor-made and bespoke cocktails. The art of tailoring is stitched inseparably together with the menu and the décor.
When it opens later in the year, the new Anantara Spa will blend warm, indigenous-inspired hospitality. Influenced by the coastal dunes, the beautiful interior space is designed from natural wood and stone. Located in front of the summer garden, it will feature three specialised treatment rooms, a sauna and infrared sauna, and a hammam, perfect for soothing aching muscles following a busy workday or after long walks discovering the city.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam will harmonise the best of both worlds – a meeting place for business travellers and also the perfect spot for leisure guests to relax and explore this vibrant city. With a private pier for boats on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal Canal, the property is only a 25-minute drive from Schiphol International Airport, and the Amsterdam Central Station is just five minutes away.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO Minor International, the parent company of Anantara, commented, “We are delighted to be continuing the expansion of our luxury Anantara brand in Europe with the addition of Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam. The historic hotel will be a fantastic addition to the Anantara portfolio when it joins later this year after enhancements to the property and represents an exciting milestone for the brand as the first in Northern Europe.”
Since acquiring Hotel Krasnapolsky on behalf of clients in 2013, AXA IM Alts has overseen a significant investment programme into the hotel to greatly improve the customer experience and unlock the potential of this historic landmark. This next phase of investment and refurbishment is expected to take the hotel to the next level in terms of luxury, amenities and service. With more than 300 projects in nine European countries for a total of €19.3 billion and €8 billion(1) in projects currently under development, AXA IM Alts has successfully developed extensive expertise in the hotel sector since 2007, as it manages on behalf of clients 12,600+ rooms across 55 hotels in twelve countries with a combined value of over €3.3 billion(1).
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will continue its strategic expansion in Europe later this year with the rebrand of two renowned hotels in Italy and Hungary – Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome and Anantara New York Palace Budapest will join the luxury brand in Q4 2021. These properties, in addition to Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, will complement the existing European portfolio – Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort on the southern coast of Portugal and Anantara Villa Padierna Palace in Marbella, Spain.
The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm offers bespoke service, celebrated rituals and exquisite culinary offerings from its world-famous Dubai address
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the highly anticipated debut of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. Heralding the storied heritage and celebrated traditions of St. Regis, this hotel joins a dynamic global portfolio and brings the brand’s signature hallmarks of bespoke service, innovative design, and exquisite experiences to the world-famous island and cosmopolitan city of Dubai.
“With its spectacular skyline, breathtaking desert landscapes, contemporary architecture, thriving culture and varied entertainment offerings, Dubai is one of the most sought-after destinations for global leisure travellers,” said Sandeep Walia, Area Vice President – United Arab Emirates, Marriott International. “The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm is an exquisite addition to our global portfolio and offers a century-old legacy of uncompromising refinement and bespoke service on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah.”
“We are delighted to welcome the St. Regis brand to our portfolio of hospitality partners. Palm Jumeirah is firmly established as a world-leading destination for living, leisure and tourism, and the opening of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm brings yet another world-class hospitality offering to the island’s ever-growing list of attractions, including The View, which opened at the top of The Palm Tower last month. With its enviable location, luxury facilities and signature service, the hotel is sure to be a draw for UAE residents and Dubai’s regional and global luminaries,” said Omar Khoory, Chief Assets and Hospitality Officer at Nakheel.
Image Courtesy of St Regis Hotels & Resorts
Sophisticated Design and Exceptional Accommodations
Designed to feature the brand’s sophisticated aesthetic, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm balances local influences with the modern glamour and visionary spirit of St. Regis. Elegant décor and contemporary interiors are accentuated with bespoke elements such as the hotel’s grand staircase, which is embellished with gold detailing that encircles an exquisite chandelier. Inspired by the Arabian palm tree, the chandelier is gilded with shimmering crystals that gracefully illuminate the ground floor of the hotel.
The intimate lobby features plush lounge areas, and a tucked-away library lit by an artful fireplace. The corridors and gathering spaces are adorned with a thoughtfully curated art collection featuring contemporary artwork and paintings. The 264 lavishly appointed guestrooms and 26 elegant suites offer luxuriant comfort, exceptional amenities and expansive views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm features the renowned hallmarks of the St. Regis brand, including St. Regis Butler Service, which allows each guest to customise their stay according to personal tastes and preferences.
Distinctive Culinary Experiences
The hotel is a vibrant lifestyle destination with a diverse selection of restaurants, bars and lounges. Cordelia sets the tone for a sophisticated evening, offering a variety of flavourful cuisine, including premium cuts of meat and seafood sourced from around the world – expertly prepared and grilled to perfection.
Her by Caroline Astoroffers an elegant gathering place to enjoy the brand’s signature Afternoon Tea. The ladies-only venue is an intimate setting and features curated tea pairings and a locally inspired take on this acclaimed St. Regis ritual.
The iconic St. Regis Bar extends the legacy of the King Cole Bar at the brand’s flagship property at 55th and Fifth Ave. in New York City, where the world-renowned Bloody Mary cocktail was born in 1934. Guests can enjoy The Glitzy Mary, a locally inspired take on the brand’s signature beverage, which features traditional Emirati flavours including date syrup, an aromatic bazaar spice blend, sun-dried lime and earthy saffron. The poolside restaurant, DipPool Bar, with scenic views of Dubai’s skyline,is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a light meal.
Honouring a signature tradition at St. Regis properties around the world, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm marks the transition from day to evening with a celebratory sabering at dusk.
Rejuvenation for the Body and Soul
A luxurious oasis, The St. Regis Spa offers transformative and bespoke signature treatments, including the Signature Gold Journey, which uses 24k gold to nourish and strengthen the skin. Guests can work out in the exclusive Fitness Center, featuring a range of cardio and strength equipment, or enjoy a leisurely swim in a choice of two pools, one for families and one for adults. The hotel is also steps away from soft sandy beaches and the soon-to-open St. Regis Beach Club.
A Sophisticated Destination for Bespoke Events
Marking the brand’s legacy of iconic celebrations, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm boasts an elegant Astor Ballroom, which is brightly lit with natural daylight and features grand sculpted doors, blended silk rugs and a striking chandelier with abstract fluted glass leaves. From intimate events to lavish celebrations and business gatherings alike, the hotel offers choice and flexibility with its six multi-purpose meeting rooms, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
“We are delighted to have opened the doors of The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm and look forward to inviting guests to enjoy our rituals and traditions, alongside exceptional luxury and anticipatory service,” said Marwan Fadel, General Manager, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm.
The City’s Finest Address
The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm occupies the first 18 floors of The Palm Tower, a stunning new 52-story landmark development connected to the Nakheel Mall, which offers world-class shopping, a variety of culinary venues and entertainment options. Guests can also access the Palm Monorail from the mall for a scenic route to the landmarks of Palm Jumeirah. On the 52nd floor of the tower, The View at The Palm is an exclusive observation deck that rests 240 metres above the iconic island and offers sweeping, 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline, as well as an interactive experience showcasing the history and creativity behind the island. The hotel is also a three-minute drive to The Pointe, an iconic waterfront destination, with restaurants, shops, and the world’s largest fountain measuring 7,327 square metres.
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