From something unexpected in Ibiza to Iberostar's debut in Aruba, here is the latest hotel news
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
JOIA Aruba by Iberostar is now open, marking Iberostar’s first Aruba property and the flagship property for the JOIA collection. The luxurious Caribbean resort features 240 oceanfront suites, including swim out suites and balconies with terrace Jacuzzis. Located on Eagle Beach, the property features multiple pools, a state-of-the-art spa facility, three unique restaurants and four bars, like the ZIMA Rooftop Bar with panoramic views, a relaxed pool bar and an aqua bar. Meanwhile, coffee and tea lovers can get their fix at hotel’s Star Café offering.
Clients who are looking to hit the greens can access the nearby Iberostar Tierra del Sol Golf Course – the island’s only 18-hole championship course. JOIA Aruba also boasts a 10,000-square-foot convention centre and multiple areas designed for beachfront celebrations. The resort offers a gazebo for wedding ceremonies and a bridal suite complete with salon stations for the big day. For conferences, the convention centre can be divided into five smaller rooms with independent street access, its own lobby, and capacity for banquets of up to 400 people.
The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel + the Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences
Following a series of renovations, Palladium Hotel Group is expected to debut The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel this summer. The property will replace The Ushuaïa Tower in Playa d’en Bossa, and reflects an evolution into a sophisticated new brand, The Unexpected Hotels. The Unexpected Ibiza Hotel will offer 181 rooms and suites. The property will complement Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, which has 234 rooms and suites, and is known for providing a highest level of musical entertainment.
A new property is also scheduled to open on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah in 2026 with the launch of The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences, marking the international expansion of the brand. The development, which is attracting over $100 million in investment, will integrate 422 hotel rooms and residential units. The hotel and residential facilities will be located on one of the region’s premier tourist destinations, and feature a beach club, restaurant and infinity pool, situated next to Wynn Resort Island and overlooking the picturesque Arabian Gulf.
Universal Stella Nova Resort
Universal Orlando Resort’s newest hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, is now officially open. The new hotel offers 750 rooms, cosmic-inspired dining options and out-of-this-world amenities.
Designed to reflect the infinite vastness of the universe, Stella Nova Resort’s guest rooms sleep up to four guests in two queen beds and feature space station-styled windows. The resort also offers a variety of unique dining options, including Cosmos Cafe and Market, Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill. Clients can also relax at the resort-style pool with a splash pad and fire pit, work out at the fitness centre, and unwind and enjoy fun activities together at the game room.
Stella Nova Resort is adjacent to the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park opening May 22, 2025, and is minutes from Universal Orlando’s existing theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay. Guests can take advantage of exclusive theme park benefits, including Early Park Admission to Universal Volcano Bay and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure up to one hour before the park opens (valid theme park admission required), complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery and more. There will also be a walking path from the hotel to Epic Universe when the theme park opens.
