May 2024 Edition

P04-15 Hot Hospitality News

P22-27 Come In We’re Open!

P30-35 Hospitality Trends

dan@highendhospitality.co.uk 07507941770

Sales Manager – Molly Lloyd molly@highendhospitality.co.uk 07704036444

Accounts – Amanda Lock amanda@highendhospitality.co.uk

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Goodwood Racecourse Welcomes Web3 Spirits Brand Degen Distillery As Presenting Partner Of Three Friday Nights

Goodwood Racecourse – one of Britain’s most picturesque racecourses, nestled within the heart of Goodwood Estate’s rolling countryside – has today announced that Web3 disruptor, Degen Distillery, will become the presenting partner of Three Friday Nights

The three-year deal will see the crowd-created NFT powered spirits brand – composed of members from around the world –launch its 721 Vodka at Three Friday Nights, a series of flagship events combining horseracing, music and dancing in June.

The first Three Friday Nights event on 7 June – headlined by Grammy Award-winning music artist, Craig David – will be the official launch pad for 721 Vodka and looks set to welcome thousands. Other headliners as part of the three-part event series include fashionista turned DJ, Gok Wan, on 14 June, and French dance music pioneer, Dimitri from Paris, on 21 June.

Poised as ‘the vodka for the next generation of creators, innovators and disrupters to call theirs’, the introduction of 721 Vodka forms part of Degen Distillery’s expansion of its social distribution model to give its community an honest share of its revenue. Community members co-create everything in the brand’s output.

Commenting on the three-year deal, Degen Distillery CEO and Co-Founder, Sammy Verghese, said: “It’s a step forward in the right direction for us, and an honour to be the exclusive vodka partner of Goodwood Racecourse’s upcoming events. As part of the deal, the Degen Distillery community will also have access to a private bar as well as a private box overlooking the racecourse and more.”

“NFTs, Web3 and Blockchain based products within competitive sports have seen immense growth in recent years, so we’re keen to ensure Goodwood Racecourse is part of his new era by welcoming Degen Distillery as presenting partner of Three Friday Nights. They are a cutting-edge company with a traditional idea at the heart of what they do – community and involvement. Goodwood brings people together to enjoy unique, world-class experiences so Degen for us are the perfect fit.

With a packed itinerary of events throughout 2024, including Three Friday Nights – combining an incredible evening of racing, warm up DJs and amazing food and drink before the main act – we hope Goodwood Racecourse provides a great platform for Sammy and his team to continue to push their crowd-created model. We’ve been really impressed with the brand’s story so far and look forward to being part of its journey.”

Alongside launching 721 Vodka at Three Friday Nights this summer, Degen Distillery will also leverage existing NFTs and its innovative DRINK token into its business model, which allows community members to unlock a global physical and digital network of utility. The company’s aim is to co-create its brand from design to distribution alongside a community of creators, innovators and disruptors by leveraging real world use cases for cutting edge blockchain technology.

Tickets and hospitality packages for all of Goodwood's 2024 horseracing fixtures can be purchased at Goodwood.com or by calling 01243 755055

And it doesn’t end there, as 721 Vodka will then be served as the vodka of choice across all race days at Goodwood Racecourse!

James Crespi, Racecourse Director at Goodwood Racecourse, said:

London Reigns Supreme: Europe’s Top City For Foodies Unveiled

London has been named the best European city for foodies, as new data reveals it has the highest number of 5-star reviews at 2,906, for restaurants, cafés and bars. Paris is next in second place, while Barcelona follows in third Tripadvisor data was analysed to discover the best-rated European cities for foodies – could they be your next destination?

Dutch lifestyle magazine, Dailybase, analysed Tripadvisor data to uncover the number of 5-star reviews for eateries in European cities. This resulted in a ranking of 193 cities in Europe where Tripadvisor data was available to investigate.

Taking the crown as the best city in Europe for foodies is the UK’s capital London, with an impressive total of 2,906 5-star reviews for its eating and drinking establishments. London is renowned for its traditional pub culture where you’ll find homemade pies and roast dinners, as well as a plethora of Michelin Star restaurants to tantalise your tastebuds, making it the perfect destination for your next city break.

The French capital, Paris, closely follows in second place, with a total of 2,898 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor for its eateries. Foodies are clearly enjoying Paris’s culinary specialities such as escargot and entrecôte, which is a premium cut of steak to relish with chips in top-rated French bistros and cafés.

The lively city of Barcelona takes the third spot, with a total of 1,475 5-star Tripadvisor reviews for its restaurants, cafés and bars. Popular for its exciting nightlife, this Spanish city will wow foodies with its tapas, which includes patatas bravas, which are cubes of potato in a spicy tomato sauce, and as well as the classic rice dish, paella.

Rome ranks fourth, with 1,407 reviews awarding the Italian capital city 5-stars for its food and drink joints. As well as sampling the street food bites in Rome, venture into the city’s restaurants to try traditional pasta carbonara and cacio e pepe, two simple yet flavourful spaghetti dishes, to find yourself in foodie heaven.

Just behind in fifth place is Greece’s capital city Athens, with a total of 1,403 5-star Tripadvisor reviews among food lovers. Famous for its savory souvlaki, which are skewers of flavourful meat grilled over an open fire, alongside the minced lamb dish moussaka, Athens offers delicious bites for all food enthusiasts.

The Czech Republic’s capital, Prague, ranks ninth in the list, with 1,015 reviews, giving the city 5-stars for its best foodie spots. This could be your dream destination if a hearty beef goulash called hovězi guláš appeals to you, served with homemade bread dumplings. To immerse yourself in this city, ordering a pivo (beer)is a must, especially since it’s known as the best in Europe.

Completing the list of the ten best European cities for foodies is Milan, Italy’s second appearance, with a total of 814 5-star reviews for its restaurants, bars and cafés. Reflecting the elegance of the city’s fashion, creamy saffron-infused risotto is an enjoyed staple, with a sweet gelato to follow for an exceptional dining experience.

Spain’s capital, Madrid,takes sixth position in the list of Europe’s best cities for foodies, with 1,395 5-star reviews for its restaurants, bars and cafés. To eat like a local, try cocido madrileño, which is a multi-course stew made with chickpeas, meat and vegetables. With two Spanish cities appearing on this ranking – be sure not to miss this country for high-quality eating experiences.

Lisbon in Portugal follows in seventh spot, with a total of 1,177 5-star Tripadvisor reviews for the capital’s eateries. For seafood fans, Lisbon is perfect for your next trip, featuring the salt cod stew, bacalhau, and dishes with an abundance with clams and sardines are highly popular. And, of course, you cannot miss the renowned egg custard tart, pastel de nata, to satisfy your sweet tooth.

In eighth place is Germany’s capital city Berlin, with 1,074 5-star reviews for its food and drink establishments. From the classic currywurst, a delicious combination of spiced ketchup and sausage, to the Berlin-style meatball known as boulette, this city provides a dynamic dining experience for visitors.

Daniël de Voer, the chief editor of Dailybase, commented on the findings:

“Discovering the best cities in Europe for foodies, whether this be fine dining experiences, local cafés or quirky bars, is not only fascinating but could inspire your next travel destination. Using Tripadvisor review data reflects authentic experiences from both tourists and the locals of each city. This analysis can offer a helpful guide to the cuisine of each place, as well as a foodie’s favourite.”

STUNNING, NEW COMMUNITY HUB LAUNCHES AS A DAY TO NIGHT, SENSORY VENUE

The latest in a long line of construction, fit out and design projects for Manchester Metropolitan University has been completed by Wigan based Truline Construction and Interior Services Ltd.

A new, community hub for the Student Union at MMU’s Birley campus, Unit One, been innovatively designed and built by Truline.

Unit One is a project for MMU that has been designed to appeal to all senses while ensuring it was a place that was fit for purpose, welcoming and encourages a longer dwell time. The venue aims to be a destination for both students and local residents and changes from a café during the day to a bar venue in the evening with live entertainment.

The designers chose contrasts of texture with reclaimed timber on the front of the counter / bar and tactile fabric in colour pops for the soft furnishings. The fluted back of the banquette seating area is covered in a vibrant blue fabric and the contrasting textures beg to be touched.

Acoustics have been carefully considered within the design. Bright yellow, geometric felt light fittings work with the planting scheme and acoustic wood slat wall to help ensure the sound is comfortable whether that’s day time or evening.

The ceiling is a feast for the eyes with the exposed air vents, ducts and piping creating an industrial feel. Aesthetically pleasing LED light tubes have been added for further interest to keep the eyes engaged.

Bright yellow, which matches the geometric light fittings, was chosen for the tiling to reflect the university brand colours and this is contrasted with orange and blue pops of colour on the chairs.

The venue itself takes care of the smell and taste sensory experience with the delicious aroma of freshly ground coffee striking guests as soon as they walk in, and the homemade cakes, pastries and other snacks tempt the taste buds.

Mike Hyde, Managing Director, from Truline Construction, commented: “This project is the latest with our longstanding client, MMU.

We have been a trusted partner since 2016, working collaboratively with MMU to successfully deliver planned maintenance and refurbishment projects in excess of £12m during this period. Unit One was our first design project for the Student Union at MMU and hugely enjoyable. Our project team worked hard to ensure the space was delivered on time and within budget.

Ultimately, we are proud to have created an attractive and inviting space for staff, students and local Hulme community residents to enjoy.”

The practicalities of a day to night venue are also considered by the Truline Construction team. This includes dozens of plug sockets for remote working, a range of seating from more formal upright areas for dining, comfy chairs to lounge in and variety of options for work spaces. The option to sit at high breakfast bar stools also changes the energy within Unit One. Seating in the large windows makes the most of the natural light while the view is softened with hanging plants to add a level of privacy to those seats.

The lighting can also be altered to have a huge impact of the mood and reflect the time of day or night transforming it totally from casual coffee shop into buzzing bar.

Louise White, head of finance and performance, from MMU: “Truline Construction totally understood the look and feel of what we were looking for and have created a welcoming space that feels part of MMU and is also a destination for local residents. It was key to create a space that supports a circular economy and encourages longer dwell time whether that’s for work or pleasure. Both have been perfectly catered for and since opening it’s been a hugely popular venue.”

CORD Restaurant

By Le Cordon Bleu

Unveils New 9-Course Tasting Menus

CORD by Le Cordon Bleu, the first fine dining restaurant in London by the esteemed culinary institution, is proud to present two new nine-course tasting menus.

Located on Fleet Street in the City of London, CORD is renowned for offering exceptional dining experiences under the direction of Executive Chef Karl O’Dell.

A skilled and innovative chef, Karl has employed his unique culinary style to design a renewed tasting menu experience, along with a plant-based alternative menu, to enrich special occasions and celebrations. The seasonal menus will showcase the freshest produce and flavours available throughout the year, reflecting the essence of the season and the haute cuisine ethos at the core of Le Cordon Bleu’s heritage.

With the menus written as a simple list of ingredients for each course, diners will have their curiosity aroused in anticipation of the next dish’s arrival. The introductory menus feature a variety of flavours of Spring, offering guests a taste of the moment. Highlights from the signature tasting menu include:

CORNISH CRAB squid • parsley • finger lime

ASPARAGUS morels • Alsace bacon• Comté

CHALLANS QUAIL smoked duck• pink peppercorn• celeriac

While those opting for the plant-based choice will be captivated by Chef Karl’s creativity with dishes such as:

BALSAMIC MARINATED BEETROOTS horseradish • cashew nuts • soil • shimeji

BLACK TRUFFLE shiitake • sourdough • black garlic

CARAMELISED CELERIAC chanterelles • coffee

Both menus offer a palate cleansing ‘Gin & Tonic’ sorbet before desserts; banoffee souffle tart and 70% Guanaja chocolate delice with caramel sorbet and spiced hazelnuts.

Chef Karl O’Dell shares his vision for the menus:

“With the introduction of these new tasting menus we are aiming to create remarkable dining experiences at CORD, with celebrations and special occasions in mind. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and strive for perfection in every service and we are confident that these tasting menus will take the experience to the next level creating unforgettable moments for our guests.”

The signature nine-course tasting menu is priced £108 per head and the plant-based option is £82 per head. Guests can opt for wine pairings, selected by CORD’s expert sommeliers, for an additional £80 per person. Available exclusively during dinner service from Monday to Friday.

Elevating Experiences: Exploring The Latest Luxury Trends Of 2024

Given the speed in which our world is moving, today’s trends in luxury may not be the exactly the same or continue in even six months’ time. However, these trends, spanning hospitality, travel and related sectors give you a lot of scope to develop amazing customer experiences. So what is happening already in 2024 in the luxury world?

1. ‘Quiet or silent luxury’: a global phenomenon

In 2023 the big, brash, ‘in-your face’ luxury brands started to tone it down because the customer perspective and customer approach is now moving towards quiet luxury. That is, being understated, emphasising exclusivity and discerning taste without overt displays of wealth and this trend will be consolidated in 2024. Fashion is always the first sector that shows trends very publicly, but we also see it in other product categories. In furnishing, for example, there is a move to vintage pieces and having much less overstated and quiet, clean and minimalistic lines. In fact, this applies in hospitality as well to a certain extent. This is seen in less use of exotic ingredients in Michelin star restaurants and returning to locally sourced and small producers, rather than importing flashy foods from distant lands.

2. Micro trends, some may be short lived

Whereas quiet of luxury is a global phenomenon that we see, with a return to quiet luxury in most markets, there are also what we call micro trends which can be more local.

They can be quite short lived because actually many of them come from TikTok which tends to be in and out fairly quickly. So, for example, in the most recent Paris and Milan fashion weeks in February we saw ‘minimalism meets messy’. Quiet luxury, minimalistic, but also some little accents which are not flashy or bling but give character. With chunky jewellery, whilst you might ask how this fits with quiet of luxury, the overall look is fairly minimalist. One statement piece which gives the overall look some character.

3. A move to ‘extraordinary everyday’

A fundamental characteristic of luxury and luxury products is there has to be something exclusive and memorable. In fashion, for example, a dress or a shoe could be fairly mainstream, but then aspects of it make it a little bit different and capture why they make you focus on that particular look. The design may be classic, yet there is something that adds a bit of an edge to it. Moving between quiet luxury and extraordinary everyday, this is about developing something to focus the customer’s attention on the luxury product. Essentially the product can be quiet, but it has to have an element of being special. This example also gives you an idea of how trends can be fairly fluid.

4. Wellness: an integral part of luxury travel and tourism experiences

There has been a shift from luxury product to luxury experience. In the last year, products were continuing to grow in double digits, but now for most product categories –fashion, accessories and jewellery – we are only looking at single digits between four and six percent. On the other hand, travel and tourism and everything that is experience is growing very significantly in 2024. Within this, luxury travellers have a focus on longevity – how to live better and longer, so a combination of health, rest, nutrition and so on –and related facilities are growing in many different markets. These bring opportunities for those that wish to spend large amounts of money to enjoy relaxation but also to really work on their health. There is a lot of development in wellnessrelated activities, and places like sleep clinics working on improving sleeping patterns are really growing.

5. Growing demand for personalised services

Luxury has always been about personalisation. It is not just about getting your hands on that exclusive product, but on getting a service that is really tailored to you as an individual. This has been something that luxury brands have worked on more and more in the past years and it has really become a key objective in 2024. For example, luxury fashion and jewellery stores are no longer a space where a transaction takes place, they are now a venue where the customer interacts with the brand and the brand is hosting a guest. If you make appointments with certain brands, such as a luxury car showroom, they will check you out on LinkedIn before you arrive so they have not just your name but also your background. They can then talk to you about your interests, and how you want to engage with the brand. In a way it is

easier to engage with the brand as a person in a hospitality setting because hotels can know a lot about you, particularly if you are a repeat visitor or have a loyalty card, but product brands are really catching up on this as well.

6. Immersive and local

Finally, there is a trend to use more natural and locally sourced products, products that are not the issue of exploitation and have not damaged the environment. With that comes an additional interest, which is ‘I don’t want to travel as an entity that is parachuted into a location and has no engagement with the location itself’. I want to learn about where I am going, I want to be part of some local activities and eat locally sourced food. More and more in luxury hospitality we see these efforts to provide experiences which go above and beyond, helping customers learn more about the destination and how things are grown or cooked. If quiet luxury, immersive and local trends hold it will be luxury travel destinations that offer more authentic experiences that are trendier this year.

Dr Eleonora Cattaneo is Program Director of the MSc in Luxury Management and Guest Experience and the Executive Master’s in Luxury Management and Guest Experi ence at Glion Institute of Higher Education.

Vine Hotels vows to help struggling hotels

Over the past few years, the hospitality industry has faced a myriad of external challenges that have put many hotels and venues under significant financial pressure. Rising costs and changing patterns in venue use have affected all levels of the industry. However, it's important to know that help is available.

Vine Hotels is a hospitality management company that specialises in supporting struggling hotels to turn around their fortunes. The group, whose chair is ex-BBC and FA boss Greg Dyke, offers independent hoteliers and branded properties a combination of consultancy services covering finance, sales, revenue, and operational management. Using these tools, it has helped to transform struggling properties that have felt the full force of the current market conditions.

Leading the hotel group is CEO Garin Davies. A seasoned professional with a wealth of experience across all aspects of hospitality management at the highest levels, having served as a Board Member of Best Western UK and a Divisional Director of BDL Management, before buying his first hotel in 2009. Here Garin and members of his senior team explain more about what they can offer.

“Each property is unique” begins Garin Davies, chief executive of Vine Hotels

“There are always a variety of avenues and solutions on the table, but identifying the most effective path, which aligns with your property’s specific circumstances is the key to achieving a competitive edge. And it’s here that our experience shines.

“The Vine Hotels team comprises experienced hotel and venue operators, finance experts, and sales and marketing leaders, all dedicated to generating results with the power of our combined expertise, creativity, and importantly, collaboration. And with our understanding of the market, we’re well-placed to deliver the right solutions at the right time for lasting results.

“A leading hotel management company with a proven history, like Vine Hotels, can precision target what you need, when you need it. This could be via a re-finance, leasehold arrangement, or managed solutions. We’ll set you on the right course.”

Read the signs

Liz Wood, business development director at Vine Hotels outlines some of the scenarios that could lead to the appointment of a hotel management company such as Vine Hotels.

“Some hotels know they’re in crisis but aren’t sure how to tackle the situation. Others are aware that they could be performing better but are unable to decipher the best route to drive revenue.

“It’s worth taking a look at leasehold, re-finance, and managed arrangements if you recognise your situation in any of the following scenarios,” she continues.

Unable to sell

Challenges hindering your ability to sell up in the face of ongoing market unpredictability can be overcome. Enhancing your property's market appeal under the guidance of hospitality experts can give you breathing space and supercharge your property’s saleability when the time is right.

Time and resource constraints

If you want a more hands-off approach to daily management and need to alleviate operational burdens, then a reputable hotel management company can efficiently maintain a property without your daily direct involvement.

Tired and underperforming

Properties that aren’t reaching their potential are where are transformation team excels. Taking the business and steering it to profitability with careful refurbishment, cost controls, and strategic sales and marketing.

A brighter financial future

Neil Burgin, chief financial officer at Vine Hotels has reassurance for any owner or leadership team that finds themselves in difficulty, be it short or long-term.

“We want hoteliers to know that no matter what the issue, or how serious the financial difficulties, we have the expertise and connections to help you gain back control of the situation.

“For example, a leaseholder agreement will put operational reins in the hands of an external company, empowering you to focus on long-term investment returns.

“A hotelier-led re-finance provides a clearer mediumterm direction, with managed solutions being ideal for those who want to re-position their properties for success or address specific under-performance issues.

“Our aim at Vine Hotels is to offer flexible and powerful financial solutions to secure your property's future, overcome operational hurdles, and capitalise on the spectrum of opportunities the hospitality market offers.”

Contact Us

For information on how Vine Hotels can help you, contact Liz Wood at lizwood@vinehotels.co.uk or www.vinehotels.co.uk

2024 WITH A NEW VILLA, SUITE, FAMILY FACILITIES AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

Opening from 3rd May until 20th October, this year Delphina hotels & resorts offers new family friendly features and offers following investments, upgraded 5* suites and a brand new luxury villa.

Delphina hotels & resorts is an award-winning luxury, wellness and ‘green’ independent Sardinian hotel group. The collection includes 12 hotels, exclusive residences, 6 SPAs, and prestigious villas all immersed in green Mediterranean parks overlooking the sea between the Costa Smeralda, the La Maddalena Archipelago, and the Gulf of Asinara.

Most Delphina resorts will open from mid to late May and close in early to mid-October making the most of the Mediterranean sea and sunshine.

Sardinia is already a popular short-haul destination for British and Irish holidaymakers with plenty of direct flights from city center airports, just two hours from London.General Manager for Delphina hotels & resorts Libero Muntoni states,

“In May, all of our hotels, residences, and villas will reopen, and we are delighted to welcome back new and long-standing guests to some exciting upgrades.”

Delphina News for 2024:

• A new Villa Lentischio Sea View with Private Pool at the 4*Superior Hotel Torreruja in Isola Rossa

• The 5* Hotel Marinedda will showcase a new family area with child-friendly suites close to the Mini Club and Junior Club which have extended services and facilities for little ones

• The family focused 4* Resort Le Dune & SPA will offer a 70% discount for children

• 5* Hotel Capo d’Orso has renovated the luxury Junior Cardinal Sea View Suites, located just steps from the sea and wellness centre

•

New family facilities at the 5* Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & SPA

Overlooking the Gulf of Asinara, immersed in unique nature, the Hotel Marinedda has enhanced its family offering by expanding the spaces and services dedicated to guests with children. Starting with the new Family Area featuring family-friendly rooms and suites, all immersed in fragrant Mediterranean greenery, located close to the services dedicated to little ones.

The expanded spaces for children have doubled with a dedicated restaurant, swimming pool, games and sports activities. Families can access a free Mini Club service which is open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Older children can enjoy the extended range of sports with group lessons in five-a-side football, paddle tennis, tennis, mini-basketball and archery.

Upgraded Junior Cardinal Sea View Suites at the 5* Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & SPA

Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & SPA 5* in Palau is an elegant boutique hotel with 86 rooms nestled in the Cala Capra Park overlooking the Island of Caprera and the Costa Smeralda. It features scenic beaches, a private marina, Thalasso & SPA center, a pool, a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course and exclusive restaurants.

The Junior Cardinal Sea View Suites have been renovated to showcase a high-end elegant contemporary Sardinian style, just a few meters from the sea sunbathing areas and the wellness center. Last year the hotel also upgraded the outdoor panoramic gym with Technogym equipment and strengthened the golf offering with a simulator to play virtually on the most prestigious courses in the world.

International Awards

Delphina proudly added to their trophy case recently with a string of international accolades. This included two prestigious credits with Condé Nast Traveller: Readers’ Choice Awards naming Valle dell’Erica as one of the Top 25 Resorts in Europe and the Hotel Marinedda among the Best Destination SPAs in the World.

The World Travel Awards 2024, considered the Oscars of international tourism, awarded Delphina as ‘Europe’s Leading Green Independent Hotel Group’, with four other accolades including Valle dell’Erica as ‘Europe’s Leading Green Resort’ and The Resort & SPA Le Dune in Badesi as ‘Italy’s Leading Beach Resort’. In addition TripAdvisor awarded each Delphina hotel, seven in total, with a Travelers Choice 2023 solidifying their online reputation and positive guest experience.

New Villa Lentischio Sea View with private pool at 4*S Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & SPA

The new Villa Lentischio at Hotel Torreruja in Isola Rossa joins a collection of modern and spacious private villas across the resort. The Villa Lentischio features 180 sqm of living space plus 100 sqm of covered verandas with a solarium, outdoor private pool with views of the Gulf of Asinara and a patio with a dedicated bbq area.

The villa features three large bedrooms, all with private entrances and bathrooms and can sleep up to six guests plus two children up to 14 years old and a further two children up to 6 years old and a baby 0-23 months in a cot. Designed with modern and refined furnishings, the villa ensures privacy and seclusion, with the possibility of using all the services offered by the hotel, including the Venere Thalasso & SPA Center with multifunctional heated seawater pools as well as the restaurants, and outdoor fitness area.

“We are witnessing an increasing demand and desire for tourists to holiday in North Sardinia, and we provide a diverse range of accommodation to suit every kind of traveler, from intergenerational families to groups and honeymooners”

THE ROCKLEY HAS OPENED ON THE COAST OF BARBADOS, INLCUDING THE LOCAL VIBE WITH A HIP NEW EXPERIENCE

The modern 49-room boutique hotel was brought to life by Michelle Leotaud of Apple & Iron, a Barbados-based design firm that created the interiors for the hotel’s nearby five-star sister property, the O2 Beach Club & Spa.

Rooms at The Rockley feature colourful local touches including Bajan sayings on throw pillows, the island’s iconic Bus Stop sign, and locally sourced amenities that celebrate Bajan culture. Guests can relax in style in junior suites with kitchenettes or the spacious, 700-square-foot one-bedroom suites with full kitchens and separate living areas.

To create a true sense of place, the design incorporates the island’s vibrant culture into its social spaces to build a dynamic hub for mingling between guests and locals. The hotel’s new outdoor covered bar area offers a trendy beach club atmosphere with daily and nightly entertainment.

The stylish air-conditioned interior dining area is ideal for guests and remote workers to grab a quick snack or coffee with its hand-painted black and white mural showcasing some of Barbados’ most iconic items and symbols, including sheep, dominoes, chickens, and more.

The Rockley has also upgraded its reception, pool deck, and communal spaces, including the fully equipped fitness room and games room.

To further integrate guests into the local community, the hotel features an innovative “Dine and Sign” programme whereby guests can visit partner restaurants across the neighbourhood and seamlessly charge their meal to their room, just as they would if they were dining at the hotel itself. Engaging with the local community is central to The Rockley experience, and the hotel’s staff can provide insider tips to discover the best of the South Coast.

In the lobby, a new “Art for the People” gallery will spotlight local artists through rotating installations. Examples of the artwork include a piece on the central column with all the points on a compass representing that the journey to Barbados starts at The Rockley, as well as a clock reflecting the hotel’s mantra “It’s always the right time at The Rockley”. Bookings are available now via www.therockleybarbados.com. Room rates start at £200, with breakfast included. For reservations and more information, please visit the website, email stay@therockleybarbados.com or call + 246 428-9441.

SHERATON GRAND HOTEL & SPA

LAUNCHES FIVE-STAR

The award-winning five-star Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh has unveiled a new luxury family break package designed for those intrepid explorers looking to make the most of school holidays and city breaks.

Children under 12 can now stay and eat for free with the Sheraton’s family getaway, which offers beautiful and spacious luxury interconnecting guestrooms providing families with flexibility in sleeping arrangements.

The package also includes à la carte breakfast in the hotel’s acclaimed One Square Brasserie as well complimentary lunch or dinner for the children with lovely touches including fluffy white bathrobes, teddy bears and colouring books.

Guests on the family package also have access to Scotland’s Best Spa (2023 Good Spa Guide) with its award-winning indoor heated 19m swimming pool.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre in a prime position on Festival Square overlooking the Usher Hall and Edinburgh Castle. It’s also on the doorstep of the city’s wealth of visitor attractions,

Fiona McLellan, Director of Sales for the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, said: “There is a huge demand for family breaks in Edinburgh as the city has so much to offer visitors of all ages. Our new Family package and interconnecting guestroom options make it even easier to travel with children and youngsters giving everyone access to more space and tailored amenities.”

The new Family package is priced from £330 * from March 2024 and can be booked via here

WORLDS’ LARGEST HOTEL FRANCHISER INTRODUCED 9 BRANDS INTO NEW COUNTRIES, SIGNED OVER 100 CONTRACTS & OPENED 87 HOTELS

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with 25 brands and approximately 9,200 hotels, continues to make impressive gains across Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, unveiling today full-year results for the region for 2023.

Among the highlights: the Company introduced 9 brands into new countries, signed 107 franchise agreements, opened 87 hotels, and added 9,500 rooms. Anchored by its OwnerFirstTM approach to franchising, the growth underscores Wyndham’s strong reputation throughout the region and its long-term commitment to helping deliver success for owners and franchisees.

The Company now has 639 hotels throughout EMEA, 12 of which are managed, representing over 88,000 rooms across 15 brands with a pipeline of over 150 hotels.

“We’re incredibly proud of our record growth in 2023 and the trust that owners and franchisees across the region continue to put in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Increasingly, owners are seeing the value of partnering with the world’s largest hotel franchisor and joining our Wyndham family.”

Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Full-Year Highlights

From entering new markets with new brands to expanding relationships with key owners and developers, 2023 was a banner year for Wyndham across EMEA.

Among the highlights, the Company:

• Welcomed its first Registry Collection Hotel—the Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort on Greece’s dazzling Chalkidiki peninsula, owned and operated by long-standing partner Zeus International Hotels & Resorts.

• Opened the first Vienna House Easy by Wyndham hotel in central Berlin since acquiring the brand in collaboration with HR Group, a leading European hotel operator.

• Opened 11 hotels in Türkiye, Wyndham’s fifth largest market globally and a key growth market for the Company. With 110 hotels in operation, Wyndham is the largest international hotel company in the country with more than 30 hotels in Istanbul alone.

• Drove significant growth for its Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand, with new brand entries into Malta, Portugal, Türkiye and Qatar.

“

From our award-winning loyalty program, Wyndham Rewards, to our ability to deliver best-in-class technology, marketing, sales tools and a strong distribution platform — they realise the power of the Wyndham Advantage ”

• Debuted Wyndham Grand in the beautiful city of Kracow, Dolce by Wyndham in Italy’s fashion capital of Milan and roadside icon Super 8 by Wyndham in the UK.

• Expanded its presence in The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with eight hotel openings including three brand entries in Uzbekistan under the Ramada Encore by Wyndham, Wyndham Garden and TRYP by Wyndham brands.

• Expanded its midscale offerings in Saudi Arabia with a new hotel in Al Khobar, under the Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand while appointing a new Country Director, Mohamad Haj Hassan, for the Kingdom.

• Strategically strengthened its presence in India with six openings while inking a deal for the first-ever Wyndham Grand in Rajasthan. Wyndham currently has nearly 60 hotels across 40 cities in India.Top of Form

The Wyndham Advantage

Wyndham franchisees throughout Europe, Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa benefit from the Wyndham Advantage—a combination of world-class marketing, distribution and other resources designed to put owners on the path to success.

Inclusive of more than $275 million in innovative technology investments over the past five years, owners have access to best-in-class technology from industryleading providers, including next-gen property and revenue management systems, as well as a growing member base of more than 106 million enrolled Wyndham Rewards members globally.

Wyndham Rewards is the number one hotel rewards program as named by both USA Today and U.S. New and World Report with more than 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals. Members make up more than a third of all check-ins globally and on average, spend nearly twice as much as non-members.

Hospitality Trends & New Products for 2024

With the hospitality industry getting ready for summer 2024 we at Alliance have taken the opportunity to research the top emerging trends set to take hold this summer season. We have identified four trends so far which are beginning to permeate through to the current hospitality scene:

Super Senses

Guests of hospitality are expecting more from their visit. No longer satisfied with simply good food or a nice drink, guests are expecting a full experience from their visits, this means engaging all their senses, visually appealing service with drama and theatre, considered lighting, texture and tactile properties across tableware, crockery, glassware and cutlery. Glassware such as the Luminarc Concepto are perfect for stimulating the senses.

Botanical & Natural

Nothing says vibrancy and effervescence quite like natureand with venues placing an emphasis on sustainability and environmentally conscious sourcing, these factors are getting reflected in venue decor and service. Colours and materials that reflect and imitate a natural environment have been a consistent theme in dining trends over the past few years, and after a slight hiatus between 2020 and 2023, this theme is picking up momentum again. Steelite’s Performance Petra works brilliantly alongside this theme allowing your meals to

Alfresco

Servicing Ghost Kitchens

Virtual restaurants or Ghost Kitchens are a food service business that serve customers exclusively by delivery and pick-up based on phone and online ordering. Virtual restaurants are stand-alone businesses that either operate out of an existing restaurant's kitchen or from a separate kitchen set-up away from a restaurant. This style of venue catapulted to popularity following the closure of “dine in” venues during the COVID-19 pandemic and although those restrictions are a distant memory, consumers never forgot the enjoyment of having restaurant quality food delivered to the comfort of your home.

Dining and drinking outside is quintessential with the British spring and summer months, but with dining outside comes the added risk of breakages. Polycarbonate and melamine have grown and developed so much over recent years we want to shine a spotlight on the more durable tableware and glassware alternatives available to Alliance. A great melamine range is Creative’s Copenhagen range which is combines beautiful colours and shapes with the durability of melamine.

“At Alliance we are always up to date with the latest hospitality trends and products so call your nearest Alliance Local to see how we can help you with all your needs.”

New Products

At Alliance we have seen many large new product launches from our suppliers during the start of the year, especially where restaurant and bar equipment is concerned. In particular, our Artis glassware ranges of Speakeasy, Speakeasy Swing and Onis New Era which we presently have on sale at 10% off. The glasses are beautiful show pieces which are perfect for displaying your venues signature cocktails.

From Steelite we have added their Mogogo Display Cart System and their Hollowick Lighting selection. The Mogogo Carts can help establishments create beautiful and unique displays, particularly for areas with buffet / serve yourself areas. The Hollowick range includes lamps, tealights, flameless candles, votives and more which all bring an intimate and close aesthetic.

Broadview Shading Solutions based in Poole, Dorset has been a trusted name in the shading industry for over 55 years. We offer an extensive range of premium, made-tomeasure blinds, shutters and garden awnings that cater to diverse tastes and requirements.

Our products come in a variety of styles, fabrics, functions, and finishes that are certain to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home or office.

“We take precise measurements, and our fitting team will ensure that your chosen blinds or shutters are installed flawlessly. “

Outdoor Covered seating Areas supplied and installed

• Umbrellas and Accessories

• Sliding covered roof pergolas

• Louvered roof pergolas

• Frameless Sliding Glass system

• Vertical Sliding Glass windbreakers

Surveyed supplied installed from the Experts

The #1 Choice For Blinds & Shutters In The South

HEAR IT. SEE IT. SCENT IT.

Turn your marketing into a tangible experience that brings your brand to life in a unique, personal marketing solutions. Satisfy the senses all under one roof.

MANAGED SOLUTIONS

Monthly subscriptions including updated content, software and support to maintain your brands ambience and maximise customer experience.

CREATIVE SERVICES

Once-off creation of content and digital marketing for a specific campaign, activation, event etc, to ensure all eye-catching and unforgettable installation.

SOH COLLECTIONS

SOH Collections state-of-the-art scenting units, harness the power of cold air diffusion technology to transform your surroundings into a fragrant haven. Operating silently, creating a pleasant aromatic environment that leaves a lasting impression.

Key Features:

• Cold Air Diffusion: Effortlessly disperses fragrance, ensuring a consistent scent experience.

• App-Enabled Control: Customise your scenting experience with our free, downloadable app, putting you in complete control.

• Versatile Usage: Perfect for homes, offices, retail stores, hotel rooms, and commercial spaces.

• Signature Scents: A variety of signature fragrances to choose from, creating a distinctive ambience.

SCENT FOR SUCCESS

Triggering one of the most powerful senses, scent taps directly into the part of the brain controlling memory and emotion - both influential in marketing. From hotel rooms to retail stores, reception areas and even large open spaces, use the power of scent to keep your brand lingering in the minds of your customers.

SCENT YOUR IDENTITY

Elevate your brand’s prestige with a unique aroma that gently plays subconscious. Released at just the right intensity to achieve the optimum result, a signature scent creates both positive and memorable experiences, prompting an increase in sales, customer loyalty and the desire to linger longer.

AMBIENT SCENTED ENVIRONMENTS | EVENTS | ACTIVATIONSROOM SPRAYS | CANDLES | DIFFUSERS

CAPTURE YOURCUSTOMERS’ ATTENTION

Give your brand a voice in-store, on hold, online, on the radio or wherever you need to be heard, with tailor-made and cost-effective sound solutions.

MOOD MUSIC BACKGROUND MUSIC / RADIO SOLUTION

Enjoy access to one of the largest commercial and directly licensed music collections in the world.

RECORDING STUDIO

Recordings, mixing and editing, dubbing, radio ads, voiceovers, audiobooks and more.

TELEPHONE ON-HOLD MARKETING

Designed to capture your caller’s attention while they are onhold, we offer a tailor-made, cost-effective tool that will revolutionise your telephone communication.

ON-HOLD MESSAGING

Increase sales, promote products and build brand awareness.

AFTER-HOURS ANSWERING

Pick up after-hours calls with tailor-made messaging. INTERACTIVE VOICE PROMPTS

Innovating Hotel Drinks Service Through High-Tech Refrigeration

Customer satisfaction reigns supreme in the world of high-end hospitality. Yet hotel businesses must also consider sustainability and energy efficiency to stay relevant and act responsibly.

With the hospitality sector contributing significantly to carbon emissions, hotel and restaurant businesses are seeking sustainable solutions to combat climate change. This shift aligns with UK Hospitality’s[1] commitment to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040, a pledge made in October 2022.

One of the biggest emission elephants in the room is refrigeration. As the industry contends with tough economic challenges, connected technology and a ‘rapid chill’ revolution will help keep costs down whilst saving substantial amounts of water and energy.

However, time is of the essence, as recent industry research reveals carbon emissions from refrigeration in the overall food industry stands at 3.2%[2] of total UK emissions

Raising the bar

In today’s high-tech hospitality world, when it comes to offering the highest level of food and drink service to guests, traditional minibars can fall short of the mark.

As outdated, labour-intensive room additions, industry data reveals they account for less than 0.5% of food and drink revenue in hotels[3]. As technology has evolved, venues now have access to innovations like Subway’s AI fridges which made a splash in locations like airports and hospitals at the end of 2022

Smart fridge kiosks and grab-and-go drink chilling solutions are making their mark in the hotel industry. These innovations offer the potential to replace traditional minibars in hotel rooms with smart, automated solutions. This not only streamlines operations and simplifies inventory control but also minimises losses, ensuring a seamless and efficient service.

Smart fridges draw on advanced sensing capabilities, combined with built-in cameras to remotely monitor food and drink levels. Venues can easily keep tabs on inventory levels without expending staff to check rooms. Having realtime data means hotel owners can limit waste and anticipate guests’ needs, ensuring they have their favourite products at all times. Temperature can also be monitored and controlled to ensure products are stored at the right temperature.

The V-Tex Solution

A behind the curtains look at our revolutionary technology

Introducing V-Tex – Standalone

Rapid chilling is kinder to the planet

Rapid chilling technology is also emerging as a game-changer, employing advanced cooling mechanisms that chill beverages in a fraction of the time required by conventional methods. Recent patents reveal cutting-edge rapid cooling solutions that leverage advanced technology. V-Tex drink-chilling units, for instance, use a ‘Rankine vortex,’ to chill products in minutes, offering energy savings of 50-90%[5]. This movement even preserves the fizz and quality of the finest carbonated products.

The flexibility of these units to accommodate various drink sizes opens possibilities for a diverse 24/7 menu of chilled drinks for room service, or in a restaurant, without the need for bulky refrigerated storage. Rather than supplying mini bars in every room, it’s possible to offer drinks cooling on demand in communal areas, or with room service. The units can also be operated without staff, helping venues to manage labour shortages tactically.

It’s also easier to adapt to demand with on-demand drinks chilling. In the quiet lull of a midweek evening, with hotel diners, few and far between, the conventional practice of maintaining a vast inventory of pre-chilled drinks in a large refrigerator proves unsustainable and expensive. Instead, wines, beers, and mixers can be chilled to order.

Another key advantage of rapid chilling technology lies in its ability to maintain precise temperature control tailored to each bottle or can. Unlike traditional systems operating at a constant temperature, rapid chilling adapts to specific cooling requirements, enhancing the customer experience. For example, a fine Chablis requires a different temperature than a can of Coke.

disabilities will triple, to 33.8 million, by 2028.

Hotels that provide full and equal enjoyment of its facilities and services to people with disabilities must offer accessible rooms that meet a specific set of disability design standards. All bedrooms in your hotel ideally should have some level of accessibility, such as by including sleek grab rails in the en-suite, telephones with large-size buttons, and the option of vibrating pillows to make hearing impaired people aware of emergency alarm soundings

What is accessibility in Hospitality?

This means ensuring tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age. Accessible tourism aims to allow tourism destinations to be enjoyed equally by everyone. An accessible hotel with well-trained staff makes guests with disabilities feel more enjoyable

From Oyster Mayfair who supply and install Commercial and Residential lifts:

“Our lifts can make coping with daily life, at home or in the workplace, easier for wheelchair users and for people who struggle with stairs or steps. Our range of home lifts can help older people to stay in their own family homes for longer and potentially avoid or delay the upheaval and expense of residential care.”

Adaptations to Make Your Vacation

Rental or Hotel Disabled-friendly:

• Entrance

The starting point in increasing the accessibility of your home for your disabled guests is to make a disabilityfriendly entrance.

• Stairs

Make sure that all the rooms of your rental are wheelchair accessible. If different spaces of your property are only accessible by stairs, you need to install a stairlift or an elevator. Give ramp access to the balcony, the garden or outside spaces of your home.

• Bathroom

Install higher-level toilets or toilets with grab rails. If you can’t lower the bathroom sink, provide shower and bath seats and an emergency cord in the bathroom. Your bathroom must have at least 150 cm circulation space inside to let your guests on wheelchairs turn around.

• Parking

Make your parking space handicap accessible with a ramp or lift and mark your rental’s most comfortable parking spaces as ‘reserved for disabled guests.

• Kitchen

As far as possible, make the height of your appliances, fridge and countertops comfortable for all types of guests. Place the appliance sockets and light switches at a proper height for everyone.

(Images Above From Oyster Mayfair)

Lucent Lighting Illuminates New Social Dining Hub In Riyadh

A revolutionary social dining hub in the Middle East has been brought to life with a plethora of LED solutions from leading manufacturer of performance architectural lighting, Lucent Lighting.

The Al Mamlaka is a luxury food hall found in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh. Located in the popular Kingdom Tower, it sits within the shopping mall that is found inside this uber-impressive skyscraper. With around 500 seats, the new venture brings together high-quality food from different global cuisines offered by a staggering 21 vendors. It has replaced the outdated food hall that was no longer fitting for the exquisite nature of the Kingdom Tower.

With food available for almost 24-hours each day, the lighting needed to reflect the time of day for diners.

From early morning coffee and breakfast to late night refuelling, diners would be enjoying the culinary options at all times of the day. The lighting also needed to enhance the luxury and refined experience offered by the new dining hub.

Renowned lighting designers Lighting Design International (LDI) were appointed to the project. Their team chose a wide range of solutions from Lucent Lighting’s expert portfolio to deliver their stunning lighting scheme. These were the uplights, spike lights and downlights required across the expanse of the dining hall.

Lucent Lighting’s InGround40 uplights, in a sophisticated Bronze finish, have been used for floor-recessed lighting in the exterior decorative panels and pots. These provide a superior CRI of 90, and a high-level of protection as an IP67 rated luminaire. This is ideal in a busy and bustling space, as well as being exposed to the elements.

The InGround40 has also been used to provide light at the window reveals, and the decorative panels of the dining hall’s numerous columns.

Spike lighting has been provided by Lucent Lighting’s Vista Mini Spot spike lights, and Vista Mini Flood spike lights. These have been used to provide illumination from the dining hall’s planters. The Mini spike delivers a narrow beam angle, while the Flood balances this with a wide 120° beam angle.

Also selected from Lucent’s expert portfolio, are a number of downlights that have been integrated into the lighting design. Pinhole90 recessed downlights c/w LED51/2 modules have been used as exterior downlights at the entry canopy.

Across the dining hall, Lucent Lighting’s Edge90 and Edge60 fixed recessed downlights provide lighting at various points. This includes ceiling recessed downlights at the false ceiling, and the restroom downlights. The Edge60 is also being used as a bulkhead recessed downlight for task area illumination, and in the canopy for plate illumination.

The adjustable variant, the Edge60 Accent, is being used in the canopy as a recessed downlight for counter illumination with the ability to position the light as required.

Completing the specification from Lucent Lighting is the Micro40 Ocolus, a recessed downlight that has been integrated into the joinery to illuminate the shelves. This is also an adjustable solution so the light source can be directed where it is needed the most.

All of the luminaires provided by Lucent Lighting offer a colour temperature of 2700K, delivering a consistently warm glow. To ensure clarity of colour, 90 CRI is the standard across all of the solutions provided by Lucent.

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, South Carolina’s Sea Islands Coastal Escape

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, a new coastal escape on Johns Island in South Carolina is now accepting reservations for stays beginning August 1, 2024

Named after a beautiful local shorebird, this charming getaway is the first of its kind in the destination – a stylish luxury retreat that feels like an eternal Southern summer home, embodying whimsical charm and unparalleled nature experiences that enliven the explorer within.

Located along the Charleston coastline within the exclusive waterfront community of Kiawah River, the Amanda Lindroth designed interiors invite guests to experience the bliss of coastal living in Charleston’s Sea Islands on 2,000 picturesque acres. With 20 miles of waterfront, scenic nature trails, abundant marshlands rich in native flora and fauna, two Auberge restaurants and a destination spa, The Dunlin celebrates the rich heritage of South Carolina and the simple wonder of life on the river.

“It’s with great excitement that Auberge Resorts Collection will soon welcome guests to the natural wonderland of the Sea Islands where they’ll be able to appreciate the timeless beauty and peace of life on the river while celebrating authentic lowcountry heritage that makes the area special,” said Michael DeCanio, general manager, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection.

The Dunlin’s architectural design is a testament to his creativity and commitment to quality and sustainability. Marrying whimsical Southern style with modern coastal living, the resort carefully respects both Sea Island architectural character – generous porches, gabled roofs and open space preservation – with the site’s natural features, to offer timeless spaces for seclusion and socializing alike. Classic, island-style interiors by acclaimed designer, Amanda Lindroth, feature sunny batik prints and soothing undertones reminiscent of the most elemental original Sea Island homes.

Effortlessly imbued with the essence of this serene natural landscape, each of the resort’s 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites are delightfully appointed. The cottageinspired, Lowcountry aesthetic within features wicker, wood and textured linen combined with white-washed tones, mint-green accents and honey oak floors.

Outside, porches are the perfect place for morning coffee or a nightcap with spectacular riverfront views. Almost double the size of the generously-proportioned guest rooms, suites feature large living rooms, dining nooks, and soaking tubs that offer river views.

Various suites and rooms can be flexibly combined to accommodate families and friends traveling together. The signature Sweetbay Suite with its wraparound porch, indoor fireplace, and outdoor tub for bathing in nature can also be booked as a private, two-bedroom cottage. The resort will also feature 19 privately owned Dunlin branded residences, which are set to debut for pre-sale in 2024.

All accommodations are set in intimate guest house settings, while providing easy access to the resort’s array of exceptional amenities. These include the Meeting House with its expansive porch and atmospheric Willet Room bar designed for unwinding and the signature restaurant, Linnette’s with sweeping river views. Nearby the riverfront pool and the signature Auberge, Aster Spa offer total relaxation.

A Celebration Of Coastal Southern Cuisine

A new epicurean destination in the Charleston Sea Islands, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection celebrates soulful Southern cooking across its dining venues and through unique culinary experiences – from oyster roasts and whole hog BBQs to Lowcountry boils and riverside picnics.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Linnette’s is the hotel’s signature restaurant, paying homage to the heritage of Charleston with familiar and comforting coastal cuisine prepared with wit and sophistication. The open kitchen serves up woodfired dishes from a seafood-forward menu, with ingredients sourced from local fishermen and Kiawah River’s ‘agri-hood’ of local farmers. The perfect iced tea, all-day bites, cocktails and rare whiskeys can be enjoyed at the Willet Room, The Dunlin’s riverside lounge bar, with a side of southern hospitality. Poolside dining can be enjoyed at The Cove, The Dunlin’s glamorous, 1950s, bygone-beach-club atmosphere perfect for luxe lunch classics and cocktails beneath the striped umbrellas of the resort pool.

A Destination for Riverside Relaxation

A sanctuary dedicated to self-nurturing at the very heart of The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, Aster is the resort’s tranquil spa. Inspired by the natural healing potential of honey – particularly Aster honey sourced from local apiaries – the spa menu includes advanced French beauty rituals by Biologique Recherche, rejuvenating full-body therapies and customized experiences designed to reconnect guests to the natural world. Hive-to-table treatments include nectar-infused facials, a Midnight Honey Oil Scrub & Warm Massage and Propolis Myofascial Release, while garden-inspired treatments incorporate local flowers and essences. Poetry in the Garden, Breathing for Beauty, Cooking with Flowers and The Romance of Teas and Tinctures are just a few of the workshops on offer. Daily fitness classes and a program of visiting specialists ensure every chance for guests to optimize wellbeing.

FORMER HOLYROOD HOTEL RELAUNCHES AS EDINBURGH MARRIOTT HOTEL HOLYROOD IN SCOTLAND’S CAPITAL

The former established Holyrood Hotel in Scotland’s Capital has relaunched today as Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood, marking the completion of an extensive £10m refurbishment.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic old town, the hotel, under new ownership, has been brought up to Marriott Hotel standards with an extensive refurbishment. Marriott’s signature style is found throughout all facets of the property and guests can now enjoy an enriched experience with modern, inviting spaces.

With nearly 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hospitality and the new look Holyrood property is synonymous with Marriott’s commitment to delivering enriching experiences, modern design and timeless hospitality.

The guest journey begins with a heartfelt welcome into the new Greatroom lobby, known as the pulse of every Marriott Hotel. With space to connect, work, or unwind, this is a key feature of the refurbishment, a relaxed and sophisticated lifestyle space, bar, dining area and welcoming lobby. Perfect for guests and residents alike to catch up over coffee or cocktails or dine from a carefully curated, locally sourced lunch and dinner menu as well as grazing and sharing platters.

The hotel’s Spa and Fitness Centre, with its 14m-heated pool, infrared Sauna, and fully equipped state-of-the-art gym has also been fully renovated and upgraded for guests and members to enjoy.

The 160 sophisticated and inviting guest bedrooms include Junior Suites, Deluxe and King Rooms with sleek wooden floors, and drench walk-in showers amongst other facilities. All rooms boast spacious en-suites, comfortable beds, cosy armchairs and 55-inch wall mounted flat screen TVs as standard. Brand new GRMS seamlessly optimises heating, cooling, and lighting within guest rooms, ensuring an unparalleled level of personalised comfort for each guest.

By harnessing advanced automation and intelligent sensors, the system not only enhances the overall guest experience but also contributes significantly to energy conservation.

Media and event spaces have been redesigned and fully equipped to offer excellent new meeting facilities in the city. Marriott’s renowned M Club Lounge also adds a new dimension to the hotel and is designed to recognise and reward Marriott Bonvoy’s Elite members. Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite status members are able to enjoy 24/7 complimentary access to a private and exclusive space for every stay.

Located on the first floor, the space is light and modern with an air of relaxed formality designed to facilitate productivity, relaxation and creativity.

Michael Falla, General Manager of Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood, commented:

“The relaunch of Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood is an exciting development for the City and the Marriott brand. It is incredible to see the refurbishment nearing completion; bringing the aesthetic of the property and quality of service up to Marriott standards is testament to the hotel team’s hard work and commitment to take the Hotel on the next stage of its journey. Edinburgh is such a vibrant city bursting with history and culture, we’re looking forward to welcoming our new and returning guests to enjoy an elevated and enriched Marriott experience with all that the city has to offer.”

Enjoying a prime location in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic old town, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Marriott Hotel is situated directly opposite the Scottish Parliament building, Dynamic Earth and Royal Holyroodhouse, the official residency of the monarchy in Scotland. Holyrood is not only a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley, its minutes from the historic Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park so the ideal place to enjoy all that the City has to offer from its world-class visitor attractions to great shopping, walking and cycling routes in and around Edinburgh.

Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the programme, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Standard rooms at Marriott Edinburgh Hotel Holyrood start from £209. The Holyrood Spa & Leisure membership is priced from £35.00 pp per month. For more information visit www.marriott.com/edimh

Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town Set To Become The Largest Hotel In Wroclaw

After extensive renovations, which add an additional wing to the building, the Wyndham hotel will operate with double the existing capacity, making it the largest hotel in Wroclaw, Poland.

The Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town, located in the heart of Wroclaw’s vibrant historic centre, will expand by an additional 152 rooms this year. Beginning in 2023, the hotel kicked off an extensive renovation of its existing 205 rooms and public spaces.

Upon completion of the ongoing modernisation, the hotel will be the largest in the city with a total of 357 rooms. The decision to modernise the property was made in 2022, when the owner decided to expand the hotel with additional rooms, which had previously been rented out as office space, as part of an agreement with the Mogotel Hotel Group, the Latvian operator with a portfolio of more than 20 hotels across Europe.

Renovation work occurs without interrupting hotel operations. Once the renovation is complete, the 4-star hotel will have three restaurants, 12 conference rooms, an executive lounge, a modern fitness centre and Spa with wellness area. Wall paintings from Wroclaw will be on display in the public areas. Both the existing and the new hotel rooms will have a modern and inviting design with local accents.

The highlight will be the 120 square metre suite with balcony, which will offer guests a spectacular view of the impressive church tower and the city centre of Wroclaw.

“The Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town participates in the Wyndham Green programme, which promotes sustainable practices in the hotel industry, explains Tomasz Majszyk, General Manager of the hotel.

“Sustainability and ecology are core values for Wyndham. This is reflected in our hotel, for example through the use of LED lighting, strict waste separation, environmentally friendly toiletries in dispensers and a philosophy of waste avoidance. We are also planning a glass atrium full of plants to create a green enclave in the centre of Wroclaw,” the General Manager continues.

Murat Yilmaz, Market Managing Director Central & Eastern Europe at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said:

“The modernisation and expansion of Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town underlines our expansion plans in Poland and is just a small part of Wyndham’s growth vision for the EMEA region.” Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town, like all Wyndham hotels, participates in Wyndham Rewards®, Wyndham’s awardwinning hotel loyalty programme that offers more than 106 million registered members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, holiday clubs and holiday rentals worldwide.

For more information about Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.

You’ll love escaping to one of the 205 welcoming guest rooms and suites, thoughtfully appointed with a flat-screen HDTV, minibar, ample workspace, and other convenient comforts.

A world-class destination for business and vacation travelers, our non-smoking hotel simplifies your stay with extras like free high-speed WiFi, paid parking, and a work area in the lobby.

If you’re planning a meeting, wedding, or celebration, 11 premier event venues can accommodate up to 1,120 conference guests and 150 banquet guests.

Settle into the heart of vibrant Old Town, minutes from mustsees like Market Square and St. Elizabeth’s Church as well as events at Centennial Hall, the campus of the University of Wroclaw, and shopping at Galeria Dominikańska. Despite its historic location, Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town provides a modern retreat with sleek Polish architecture and a central glass atrium that lets in plenty of natural light.