The resort report: what's new in the hotel world
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
Checking out the latest hotel and resort news from fresh renovations to brand new and upcoming properties ready to welcome your clients.
For those clients wanting to live in a Barbie world, consider checking into Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal. In partnership with Mattel, Barbie fans and friends alike are invited to eat, drink and sleep pink with immersive experiences like an official Barbie Dream Suite available to book through September 2024 and Saturday Barbie Afternoon Tea featuring an array of on theme sandwiches, scones, pastries and desserts at Roselys. The Barbie Dream Suite is located on the hotel’s 17th floor with distinctive Barbie Dreamhouse Pink hued doors that open to an imaginative retreat. Featuring two spacious bedrooms, a kitchen, two bathrooms and more — the suite features original Barbie artwork; custom-designed pink glassware; a record player with Barbie movie vinyl; a swing set in the living room; Barbie-themed coffee table books; original Barbie vintage dolls; a decorative disco ball + light switch; plus much more.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has debuted in Greece. The newly opened Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino features 99 suites and villas with spacious terraces or private pools. The luxury resort is located in Navarino Bay, affording unparalleled views of the historic bay. There are five distinct restaurant and bar concepts including Oliviera Restaurant, offering sweeping views of the bay and a selection of redefined and authentic Greek cuisine. Another concept is Tahir Restaurant, open for dinner reservations, which focuses on Levantine cuisine consisting of healthy mezze dishes sourced from local producers. The Spa is inspired by the Group’s traditional rituals from the Far East combined with the abundant local flora. The Spa offers a wide range of relaxing and revitalizing holistic treatments. The 25-meter swimming pool flows from indoor to outdoor and offers sunset views; while the Hammam, cold bath and herbal sauna provide unique detoxifying experiences. The resort’s fitness centre and its team of expert trainers offer guests tailor-made fitness experiences. Additionally, a variety of water experiences, from paddleboarding to water skiing are available at the beach club.
Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan retreat Kasbah Tamadot is expanding with the addition of six new Riads, which are now available to book for travel from September 2024. Each of the new Riads will feature two bedrooms, sleeping four people in a spacious Deluxe Pool Suite and a Deluxe Room connected by a separate living area, offering the perfect accommodation for families or small groups. Patio doors in the living space will lead out to a private pool and a large terrace complete with sun loungers, as well as a typical Moroccan rooftop terrace with a covered lounge area and fireplace. The hotel in the Atlas Mountains is part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection and will offer the six new Riads alongside its existing 29 rooms and suites, which include 11 luxury Berber Tents and the Master Suite — a miniature replica of the Kasbah itself.
The Hotel Maria is set to open its doors in the heart of Helsinki on Dec. 15, 2023 as a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection. Located in the historic Kruununhaka district, The Hotel Maria will feature 117 spacious rooms, including 38 luxurious suites, alongside two elegant restaurants and bars, a ballroom, chapel and state-of-the-art spa and wellness facilities — including a traditional Finnish sauna, as well as a boutique featuring esteemed Finnish designers. Made up of four architecturally and historically significant buildings built between 1885 and 1930, The Hotel Maria offers an array of accommodation options, including more suites than any other hotel in Helsinki and guestrooms that provide twice the space of typical Finnish hotels, with an average size exceeding 460 square feet. In addition to standard luxury hotel services, such as valet parking and concierge assistance, The Hotel Maria also offers private butler services, dog and babysitting, personal shoppers, as well as an Experience Manager whose sole purpose is curating and delivering unique luxury adventures in Finland. Culinary delights await at The Garden Terrace, serving Nordic and international dishes; Bar Maria, with chic cocktails and mocktails as well as champagne and caviar accompanied by the sounds of a grand piano; signature restaurant, Lilja, an elevated dining experience inspired by the traditions of French cuisine.
