Travel News Page 126
Jumeirah Carlton Tower Takes to the Skies with a Celestial Celebration
Jumeirah Carlton Tower invites guests to experience Chelsea in Bloom through a celestial lens this May, unveiling a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences inspired by this year’s theme, Out of This World. From an immersive floral installation and stargazing stays to cosmic cocktails and family-friendly discovery trails, the Knightsbridge hotel transforms into a destination of wonder, rooted in exploration and influences of Arabian hospitality.
Kempinski Residences at Masar, Makkah to Provide Unmatched Hospitality
Kempinski Group, Europe’s oldest luxury hospitality company, today announced Kempinski Residences at Masar, Makkah, its first branded residences project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Developed by Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Company, the owner, developer, and operator of the Masar destination in the Holy City of Makkah, the project brings Kempinski’s 150-year legacy of luxury hospitality to the prestigious Masar development, in the heart of Makkah, within the vicinity of the Grand Mosque.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort invites guests to answer the call of the mountains this summer
In an unpredictable world, we can rely on the mountains. Shaped by relentless movement and hidden chaos, they stand tall. Reflective, peaceful and strong, eras come and go as these giants hold firm. They challenge and protect, inviting us to a place where hospitality lives in harmony with nature and connection comes through stillness and humility, just as it arrives from exploration. When the mountains share their call, we answer. Resting on the fabled Green Mountain of the Al Hajar range, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort rises above the heat of Oman to offer uninterrupted serenity in the cooler air of the Saiq Plateau. Surrounded by desert, canyons and endless skies, it commands a sense of perspective as we find balance in ourselves, each other, and the environment around us.
VILLA SAN MICHELE, A BELMOND HOTEL, FLORENCE, REOPENS: THE LEGENDARY RENAISSANCE RETREAT RETURNS
Perched high in the Fiesole hills, overlooking Florence in all its splendour, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, reopened on 28 April 2026 following a meticulous 18-month renovation. Once a Renaissance convent, the legendary retreat - renowned for its awe-inspiring Michelangelo-inspired façade, terraced gardens and one-of-a-kind sweeping views - begins a new chapter as a destination for wellbeing and reconnection.
Accor and Uber Announce Multi-market Loyalty Partnership
ALL Accor, the powerful booking platform and loyalty program of Accor, and Uber announce a new strategic multi-market loyalty partnership designed to enhance their clients’ travel and daily lifestyle journeys. The partnership between Accor and Uber enhances the customer journey by seamlessly connecting hospitality, mobility and delivery. Together, Accor and Uber are enhancing the travel experience by making it more connected, flexible, and rewarding—whether traveling for business or leisure, far away or closer to home.
Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Raises the Bar for Pet-Friendly Travel
In Whistler, where alpine adventure sets the pace, even four-legged travellers are part of the fun. At Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, the Pampered Paws Package invites guests to bring the whole household along, with locally made treats and pet-friendly perks ensuring every Whistler moment is just as rewarding for pets as it is for their humans. Available now, the package makes it easier for pets and their humans to bond over Whistler’s best moments. Whether sunrise hikes through forested trails, midday dips in crystal-clear lakes, or unhurried evenings along the Village Stroll, the destination welcomes anyone with a sense of adventure – whether on two legs or four.
Conrad Athens The Ilisian Opens, Redefining an Athenian Landmark
Hilton today announces the opening of Conrad Athens The Ilisian, marking the rebirth of one of Athens’ most iconic landmarks. Formerly the beloved Hilton Athens, the property has undergone a significant transformation to emerge as a contemporary urban resort in the cultural heart of Athens. Marking the brand’s debut in Greece, Conrad Athens The Ilisian brings Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ signature blend of bold design, contemporary luxury and immersive connection to place to one of Europe’s most culturally resonant capitals. The hotel’s 278 guestrooms and suites are among the most spacious in the city and sit at the heart of The Ilisian, a new mixed-use destination that unites a vibrant line-up of restaurants and bars, a resort-style wellness offering anchored by Athens’ largest outdoor pool landscape, private residences and the House of NYNN private members’ club.
Kimpton Ashbel New York – Park Avenue opens in Historic Midtown Manhattan Landmark
Kimpton Ashbel New York - Park Avenue, a boutique luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan and part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, is now open at 70 Park Avenue, welcoming guests to a reimagined Beaux-Arts landmark along one of Manhattan’s most storied avenues. Just steps from Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park, the hotel brings new life to the historic building originally constructed in 1928 as the Doral Park Avenue Hotel, introducing a residential approach to hospitality inspired by the character and charm of a classic Manhattan townhouse.
Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort Officially Debuts, Marking a New Era for South Florida
The Diplomat Beach Resort opens as Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort, ushering in a bold new chapter for the coastal beacon. The transition marks the property’s evolution into Signia by Hilton’s growing portfolio of approachable luxury hotels worldwide, as the legendary Hollywood Beach address introduces the brand’s vibrant atmosphere, experience‑led dining, refined wellness offerings, and premier meetings and events to South Florida.
The Related Group, Merrimac Ventures and Hilton Celebrate Historic Milestone
Prominent real estate developers the Related Group and Merrimac Ventures, alongside hospitality leader Hilton have celebrated the topping-off of Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach (The Residences), marking the completion of vertical construction for the brand’s first-ever standalone residential endeavor. Located on two acres of pristine oceanfront along the Pompano Beach coastline, the 28-story condominium tower is more than 85% pre-sold, with completion slated for summer 2027.
Hilton Launches 2026 Global Booking Incentive to Celebrate Travel Advisor Appreciation Month
Hilton has announced the launch of its 2026 Travel Advisor Appreciation Booking Incentive Contest, designed to recognize and reward the invaluable role travel advisors play in creating seamless, memorable experiences for travelers around the world. Now through August 31, 2026, global travel advisors can enter for a chance to win Hilton Honors Points throughout the promotional period. To participate, travel advisors first need to book reservations for customers through approved channels including travelagents.hilton.com, Hilton.com sites, the Global Distribution System (GDS) or wholesalers. Following each successful booking, travel advisors can then submit booking details and complete this entry form. Multiple entries are encouraged and not limited.
Privacy, Personalization and Paradise - the New Era of Luxury in Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands has long been the A-List’s best kept vacation secret, with pristine white sand beaches, beautiful food and unspoilt vibes. Now, a new generation of vacationers are discovering the next era of luxury, characterised by privacy and personalization, with a growing trend for vacations in private villa properties, according to luxury vacation rental company, TKCA Vacation Rentals. TKCA predicts a 15 per cent growth in its luxury property portfolio year on year, as the company is acquired by Managing Director, Gerry Dallas.