Hotel News Page 16
The Lux Collective Celebrates the Launch of LUX* Lake Kivu & SALT of Akagera in Rwanda
Award-winning global luxury hospitality operator The Lux Collective makes its debut in Rwanda with the launch of LUX* Lake Kivu and SALT of Akagera, the first two properties within the Group’s landmark five-resort Rwanda Tourism Circuit. Set across the country’s most iconic destinations, the openings introduce the internationally acclaimed LUX* and SALT brands - ushering in a new era of luxury hospitality shaped by regenerative tourism, immersive nature-led travel and cultural connection.
Rosewood Introduces “The Spirit of Celebration”
This summer, Rosewood introduces The Spirit of Celebration, a global program designed to bring people together through sport, travel and shared experiences. Inspired by the energy and sense of community surrounding football culture, the initiative is anchored by an exclusive limited-edition jersey created in collaboration with British artist and sportswear designer Christian Jeffery, alongside hotel activations and curated regional itineraries.
Minor Hotels Announces Avani Kyoto Marking Brand Debut in Japan
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences across 66 countries, has announced the development of Avani Kyoto, marking the brand’s entry into Japan. Scheduled to open in 2030, the hotel forms part of a joint development alongside Taisei Corporation and Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd., with Minor participating as both investor and operator. Located along Karasuma Street in central Kyoto, the hotel occupies the site of the former Kyoto Shimbun headquarters and benefits from direct connectivity to Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. The property sits within walking distance of key cultural landmarks including the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, positioning it as a strong base for both domestic and international travellers seeking access to the city’s historic and cultural centre
Access Hospitality launches Access Evo, an AI intelligence layer for hotels
Access Hospitality has launched Access Evo, a new AI-powered intelligence layer that connects CRS, CRM, RMS and Booking Engine data into a single operating environment for hotel teams. Launching at HITEC 2026, Evo addresses one of the hospitality industry’s most persistent operational challenges: fragmented technology stacks that slow decision-making, increase manual reporting and make it harder for teams to act quickly on commercial opportunities.
Red Sea Global brings second flagship destination to life with the opening of Four Seasons Resort
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious luxury and regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and AMAALA, has officially brought its second flagship destination to life. In a milestone for the Kingdom’s tourism sector, RSG has welcomed its first guests at AMAALA, an integrated wellness haven, with the opening of Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay. This landmark launch signifies the transition of AMAALA into a live destination. Set along the pristine shoreline of Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, the resort serves as the anchor for the destination’s ultra-luxury wellness ecosystem and sets a new global benchmark for regenerative tourism.
Belfast’s Culloden Estate & Spa Unveils Stunning New Upgrades Following £620,000 Investment
Culloden Estate & Spa, Northern Ireland’s most prestigious five-star hotel, is celebrating its 150th anniversary with the completion of a £620,000 upgrade designed to further enhance the luxury guest experience. Refurbishments have been carried out across guestrooms, private dining areas, and The Spa, featuring refreshed décor, stylish soft furnishings, and bespoke furniture. The unveiling of these enhancements marks a significant milestone as the hotel celebrates 150 years since the property was first built as the official palace of the Bishops of Down. Today, the estate spans twelve picturesque acres, overlooking Belfast Lough and the Antrim coastline, complete with luxurious accommodation, an award-winning spa, exceptional dining experiences and elegant event spaces.
YTL Hotels Unveils New Luxury ‘All-Inclusive Holiday’ in Malaysia
YTL Hotels has unveiled an exclusive new all-inclusive holiday offer available for stays at its three flagship beach resorts in Malaysia - Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort and Gaya Island Resort - inviting guests to discover the luxury resort brand’s Treasured Moments and three unique worlds.
Tourism pro Francine Stewart joins SunSwept Resorts
Francine Stewart has joined SunSwept Resorts in St. Lucia as regional commercial director where she will oversee the commercial strategy for the company’s two iconic properties — BodyHoliday Saint Lucia and StolenTime Saint Lucia, formerly known as Rendezvous.
Tempo by Hilton Expands Nashville Presence with New Midtown Opening
Hilton celebrates the opening of Tempo by Hilton Nashville Midtown, marking the brand’s second hotel in Nashville. Developed in partnership with Vision Hospitality Group, the 161-room lifestyle hotel brings Tempo’s signature blend of design, well-being and productivity-focused amenities to the city’s vibrant Midtown district.
Hilton Accelerates Luxury Growth in Japan with Signing of Conrad Kobe
Hilton announced an agreement with ORIX Real Estate Corporation to bring the Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand to Kobe, Hyogo prefecture. The hotel will be jointly developed by a consortium led by ORIX Real Estate Corporation, comprising six other companies as part of the Kobe City Hall Building No. 2 redevelopment project. Scheduled to open in 2030, the hotel will be managed by Hilton and marks the company’s entry into Hyogo prefecture. “Amid growing demand for luxury brands in Japan, Conrad will be introduced to a new destination in partnership with long-standing partner ORIX Real Estate Corporation. This will further strengthen our luxury portfolio in the Kansai region, and we are confident that the opening of the Conrad Kobe will create a new landmark in the city,” said Hirohisa Fujimoto, vice president of development, Japan & Micronesia, Hilton.
What Makes a Boutique Hotel Worth the Stay
What sets a boutique hotel apart from a chain, what to look for, why independents are gaining ground, and how to choose a stay worth the trip.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL DOWNTOWN, DUBAI INVITES GUESTS TO SLOW DOWN THIS SUMMER WITH THE DOWNSHIFT RETREAT
Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai invites GCC residents to embrace a slower, more mindful rhythm this summer season. Guests are invited to unwind with The Downshift Retreat, a restorative wellbeing package designed to gently move guests from mental intensity to grounded calm through immersive spa experiences, nourishing dining and considered in-room rituals.