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.
Anantara Kihavah’s Over Water Pool Villas in the Maldives have undergone a multi-million-dollar refurbishment taking guests to a new level of secluded luxury.
Perched over a crystal-clear lagoon with views of the Indian Ocean, the 2,874 square feet hideaways feature all new furniture, fittings and materials and the addition of accent pieces from the local Thuladoo island, smart technology, and extra home comforts.
The villas still feature king size beds and a walk-in dressing room, but the overall interiors have been given an airier vibe with the use of lighter coloured wood. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors let the outside in, allowing guests to awaken each day to scenic views. Perhaps one of the best views of all comes from watching fish swim by while bathing in a glass-bottomed soaking bathtub.
The extended deck features a new circular seating arrangement which creates a strong focal area that is perfect for lounging and dining. The deck’s hammocks have been extended to create more comfort and even more uniquely Maldivian photo opportunities and a personal Villa Host further enhances the experience of pampered seclusion.
The Visama Mae Chan luxury tented camp in the mountains of Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, will open Nov. 1. The new property, with 10 luxuriously appointed tents, will be a project with a purpose, run on not-for-profit principles to benefit the neighbouring Friends of Thai Daughters foundation, which seeks to prevent child trafficking by empowering girls from hill tribe communities.
The luxury tents, which have hill tribe names such as “Akha”, “Lahu”, “Yao”, and “Hmong”, range in size from 48 to 80 sqm, including a 12 or 20 sqm veranda. Standard amenities include air conditioning, phone, espresso machine, French press coffee pots, WiFi, rain showers, safety deposit box, refrigerator, his and her bathrobes and slippers, bathtub and 24 hour concierge, to name a few amenities. The opening 10 units will be complemented by an additional 12 luxury tents in 2024.
With the opening of Aloft Singapore Novena, the Aloft Hotels brand has made its debut in Singapore. The largest Aloft hotel in the world is in the Balestier neighbourhood.
Aloft Singapore Novena takes up two towers with 781 rooms and four suites, each ranging from 18 sqm to 46 sqm. At the entrance of the hotel stands a 2.5 meters crescendo sculpture inspired by musical notes. The hotel lobby boasts an 85” inch video wall, showcasing electronic art from renowned artists like Refik Anadol and Jonathan Monaghan.
Aloft Novena Singapore introduces various dining concepts like Yuè, the hotel’s modern Chinese restaurant, 21 on Rajah, a halal-certified buffet restaurant, and Re:fuel by Aloft, which provides guests the option to grab-and-go 24/7 from a selection of light meals and drinks.
Meanwhile, the brand’s signature W XYZ bar at the lobby is the social hub of the hotel and serves invigorating cocktails and light bites.
Additional facilities include the 24/7 Re:charge Indoor and Outdoor gym, in the West Wing, along with the Re:charge Indoor gym in the East Wing. Located adjacent to the Indoor and Outdoor Gym is the hotel’s Splash Pool, where guests can relax and socialize on the open deck.
Clients looking for a fresh option in Barbados can consider the newly opened Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle Resort & Spa. The 422-room all-inclusive ocean-front hotel will have a formal Grand Opening in early 2024.
Located on the Southeastern side of the island of Barbados, 15 minutes from the Grantley International Airport, the hotel is located on the former site of Sam Lord’s Castle, which was once renowned for pirates during the 19th century. The all-new construction includes 37 suites along with large ocean views and lanai-style private balconies.
At peak operation, there are than 10 dining venues, including the Mediterranean Marketplace featuring flavours from North Africa, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, pop-up food trucks, poolside dining and more.
For guests seeking to unwind, the hotel will feature a 13,000 square foot spa with a pool area and relaxation deck, along with a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a sunrise yoga centre. Other on-site amenities include lagoon-style swimming pools, a kids centre, butler service, tennis and pickleball courses.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has broken ground for the first boutique hotel in Pacific Grove, expected to open in 2025. The new-build hotel Kimpton Pacific Grove Hotel will feature 101 elegant guestrooms, including six suites. Rooms situated on the third and fourth floors will offer views of the Monterey Bay. The hotel’s 3,650 square foot courtyard complete with fireplace will provide travellers a perfect California setting to host meetings and events or a celebration.
Inspired by the California coastline, the four-story hotel is set to become a culinary go-to for guests and locals alike thanks to its restaurant and bar venue’s focus on local cuisine, fresh seafood and locally grown produce.
