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 or upcoming properties to entice your clients.
Clients looking for a new luxurious way to stay on the island of Eleuthera can now check into The Potlatch Club. The secluded Bahamas hideaway features only 11 keys and has been extensively renovated and restored to its former glory when it was a magnet for socialites as well as silver-screen legends such as Greta Garbo, Richard Widmark, Raymond Burr, and Rita Gam. Notably, Paul McCartney honeymooned at The Potlatch Club with his first wife, Linda, in 1969 when he wrote several Beatles songs including ‘Bathroom Window’ on Potlatch Club notepaper.
Fronting a seven-mile deserted stretch of pink-sand beach, the oceanfront resort is set on 12 acres with accommodations that are a mix of historic and newly built whitewashed suites (three), garden cottages (three), ocean-facing cottages (three) plus one 1-bedroom and one 4-bedroom ocean-view villa, which includes butler service. Some feature private verandas and terraces and others shoreline pavilions or gardens scented with jasmine and frangipani.
The first Banyan Tree Resort and Residences has been announced for the Caribbean. Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences will be situated on Rockwell Island, a secluded peninsula, surrounded by pristine sand and crystal-clear waters. The island is 48 nautical miles east of Miami and accessible by seaplane, private charter jet, helicopter or boat.
The property will feature 54 custom waterfront residences, a 50-key five-star hotel, and Bonito Beach Club, with bespoke services and amenities. A second phase will include a deepwater superyacht marina, private 18-hole golf course, and members’ only clubhouse. Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences is set to open with the first five complete residences in early 2025.
Avani Hotels & Resorts, an upscale lifestyle brand from Minor Hotels, has debuted Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam. Housed in a refurbished mid-century building in the heart of the city’s museum district, the 163-room canal-side property features 24/7 access to a grab-and-go dining concept as well as an around-the-clock AvaniFit gym.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is partnering with Kauai’s Coco Palms Resort, establishing the first location in Hawai’i for IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fast-growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Following a restoration of the iconic property, the resort is anticipated to open in 2026.
The restored landmark will be comprised of 350 accommodations spread across three low-rise hotel structures as well as cottages.
