The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) is thrilled to unveil its Winter Collection, welcoming ten extraordinary properties into its global portfolio of 425+ hotels. This collection of independent, luxury hotels represents an exceptional range of hospitality options, from secluded eco-retreats and contemporary design-led stays to historic castles and alpine sanctuaries, each reflecting the unique spirit and local character that defines The Leading Hotels of the World. Spanning South Africa’s coastline to the European Alps, these additions highlight several of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Gymkhana, the acclaimed Two Michelin-starred London restaurant, is now open at ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas—marking its first location in the United States. Created by JKS Restaurants co-founders Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi, in partnership with MGM Resorts International, Gymkhana is the first Indian restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, further strengthening ARIA’s reputation as a premier dining destination.

Velassaru Maldives has officially opened Sora, a new overwater Japanese restaurant designed to enhance the resort’s culinary offering with a dedicated teppanyaki counter, robata grill and sushi and sashimi bar. Suspended above the lagoon and built with clean, minimalist lines, Sora takes its name from the Japanese word for “sky” and offers diners uninterrupted ocean views from both the indoor open-plan dining area and the outdoor deck. At the heart of the restaurant’s open-plan design lies the black-marble teppanyaki counter where guests can watch chefs preparing dishes to order. To one side sits a robata grill that adds a smoky depth to the menu, while the opposite counter houses a sushi and sashimi station. The interior design incorporates natural elements such as a thatched roof, rattan-strip ceilings and stone-patterned floors, paired with blonde wood furniture and folding doors that open to let in refreshing sea breezes, views of bright blue skies and colourful Maldivian sunsets.

Anahita Golf & Spa Resort has unveiled, on the 1st of December, its new identity: The Bay Club at Anahita. Set on the stunning bay of Mauritius East coast, the new brand celebrates a refined seaside lifestyle-where life unfolds by the water, on the water, and along the gentle flow of the lagoon. Guests and residents are invited to savour the island’s tropical charm and rediscover one of its most exceptional estates.

Breaking Travel News caught up with Nick Pilbeam, Chief Commercial Officer at Cheval Collection and put forward several questions on the company’s expansion in the Middle East.

From the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, Marriott International’s Luxury Group – which encompasses the unrivaled portfolio of seven brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels – announced a bold redefinition of the pursuit of luxury – one shaped not by possessions, but by emotional return on investment. Responding to a powerful shift in the world’s most affluent travelers, the Luxury Group is unveiling a transformative strategy centered on wellbeing, connection, cultural immersion, and legacy living.