New Hotel Openings News Page 38
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort Appoints Tudsaporn Jaiboonchuen as General Manager
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, a luxury resort operated by global hospitality group Minor Hotels, announces the appointment of Tudsaporn Jaiboonchuen as its new General Manager, effective 1 January 2026. In her new role, Tudsaporn will lead the resort’s overall strategy and operations, with a focus on elevating guest experience, driving commercial performance, upholding brand standards, and fostering team development across the property.
GRAND MERCURE BUSINESS BAY OPENS IN DUBAI FOLLOWING THE REBRANDING OF GULF COURT HOTEL BUSINESS BAY
Grand Mercure Business Bay has officially opened its doors in Dubai following the rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay, owned and managed by Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), under a franchise agreement with Accor. This milestone marks a new chapter for the hotel, shaped by Grand Mercure’s distinctive approach to hospitality that celebrates pride of place through refined grandeur, cultural immersion and heartfelt human connection. Rooted in international hospitality standards while deeply anchored in its destination, Grand Mercure Business Bay reflects the brand’s philosophy of elevating locality through meaningful gestures, warm rituals and intentional service.
Rotana Strengthens Saudi Portfolio with the Signing of Centro Hail
Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region, has announced the signing of Centro Hail, a next-generation lifestyle hotel to be developed in collaboration with Alkhorayef Investment and Development Co. and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF).
andBeyond Phinda Zuka Lodge returns after a soulful refurbishment
andBeyond Phinda Zuka Lodge reopened on 18 December 2025 after a thoughtful refurbishment, welcoming guests back to a place that feels both familiar and entirely new. Emerging as a next-generation private safari retreat designed for intimate gatherings, perfect for small groups, multi-generational families and milestone celebrations. The result is a key destination shaped for life’s most meaningful moments, carried by the warm, effortless hospitality that has always defined the Zuka experience. As part of andBeyond’s ongoing commitment to investing in its lodge portfolio, this much-loved lodge within Phinda Private Game Reserve returns as a home for every generation.
Ocean Casino Resort Celebrates Grand Opening of Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar
Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar officially opened its doors at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City on January 17 following a grand opening celebration with a special appearance by actor Christopher McDonald, aka “Shooter McGavin” in Happy Gilmore, and also known for his role on HBO Max’s Hacks. During the celebration, McDonald participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and mingled with guests and tried his hand on the mini golf course. MTV’s Jersey Shore stars Sammi Giancola aka “Sammi Sweetheart” and Jenni Farley aka “JWoww” also stopped by the event to take a few swings on the course. Located on the Casino Level next to LaScala’s Fire, Ocean’s 18 is the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino and features a full-service bar.
Minor Hotels Sharpens Growth Agenda for 2026
Minor Hotels will pursue a focused approach to growth in 2026, building on a year of record development momentum to prioritise market depth, portfolio diversification and capital-efficient expansion. The group signed 40 new hotel contracts and master agreements in 2025 – its highest annual total to date – and expects to secure a further 25 signings in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting sustained owner demand and signalling another record growth year ahead.
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Returns with Renewed Grace
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, Baa Atoll’s long-standing retreat cherished by generations of guests, has been transformed into a fresh expression of Maldivian hospitality following an extensive refurbishment and rebrand. As the resort enters a new chapter, its enduring legacy has been reimagined for a modern-day traveller seeking meaningful discovery – with 105 transformed villas, refined restaurants and bars, dedicated family spaces, kids’ facilities and a serene spa, all set within the elegantly landscaped natural island of Fonimagoodhoo.
Minor Hotels Appoints Karim von Alvensleben as General Manager of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries, has appointed Karim von Alvensleben as General Manager of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, ahead of the hotel’s anticipated opening in Q2 2026.
Namron Hospitality announces addition of three hotels to their expanding portfolio
Namron Hospitality, the luxury hospitality owners and operators committed to inspiring intentional travel, have announced the addition of three properties to their expanding portfolio of boutique hotels.
Savaya Group Announces Zumana, a New Beachfront Destination on Bali’s Iconic Kuta Beach
Savaya Group, in partnership with PT Kharisma Anugrah Jawara Abadi (KAJA Group), a prominent Indonesian hospitality developer today unveiled Zumana, a new beachfront hospitality destination set along the iconic shoreline of Kuta Beach.
Banyan Group Highlights New Chapter of Growth in 2026 Following its Landmark 100-Resort Milestone
Banyan Group, an independent global hospitality company, enters 2026 following a year that marked a significant step in its global expansion. With 100 hotels and resorts, over 140 spas and galleries, and more than 20 branded residences now in operation across over 20 countries, the Group is advancing into its next phase of growth with new market entries, strengthening of its multi-brand portfolio, and deepening of guest experiences.
Al Qimmah Hospitality and Marriott International Announce Agreement to Expand in Saudi Arabia
Al Qimmah Hospitality, a subsidiary of BinDawood Investment, and Marriott International today announced the signing of five new hotel projects, further strengthening their shared commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism sector. Plans include the addition of over 2,700 new rooms in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, under four of Marriott’s renowned brands – JW Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Element Hotels, and the anticipated entry of Four Points Flex by Sheraton in the Kingdom.