Saudi Arabia announced Thuwal Private Retreat, an ultra-luxurious and likely ultra-secretive private island along its Red Sea coast. Promised as a place of “indulgence” the island opens next year, available for total buy-outs only.
04.10.2023 - 14:31 / forbes.com / London
Tucked off a busy street in Holborn, and found in its own serene courtyard, some guests might be confused at first as to how they exactly check into Rosewood London. But, this is all part of its charm. Since its launch some 10 years ago, the hotel has become a staple on London’s luxury hospitality scene, regardless of its under-the-radar location, beloved by “in-the-know” Londoners and out-of-towners alike.
From its fun approach to interior design (the lobby’s black-and-white zig-zag floor and art curios dotted about bring a tongue-in-cheek vibe) to its elegant yet laid-back dining offering (the quirky brasserie that is Holborn Dining Rooms is a dependable crowd-pleaser), the hotel is known for its irreverent and independent style.
This month, it is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with typical flair. Marking a decade of innovation and the championing of craftsmanship—a signature feature of Rosewood as a brand—the hotel has launched “Rosewood London X” to give a nod to the property’s affinity to fashion and art across a series of unique partnerships.
Taking place from October 9 to 15, the hotel will roll out a series of collaborations with notable brands, each chosen for the innovators behind each company who dedicate themselves to their craft. Anya Hindmarch, for instance, will take over The Pie Room at Holborn Dining Room and has created a limited-edition “Pie with Eyes” keyring, and will offer a pop-up Anya Hindmarch station in the lobby.
Meanwhile, one of the world’s most valuable single malts, The Macallan, will partner with the hotel to celebrate the launch of their latest whisky with an immersive art installation bringing the idyllic landscape of Speyside to life in central London. Food visionary, Imogen Kwok has been appointed to reimagine Mirror Room’s dining concept with a new curated menu, while the hotel’s Scarfes Bar is partnering with The Lakes Distillery to offer a limited-edition single malt. Bringing its street food concept to Holborn Dining Room is Rosewood Hong Kong’s One Michelin-starred restaurant, Chaat, while jewellery house Garrard has been tasked with designing the hotel’s Christmas decorations this year. Finally, in celebration of Rosewood London’s affinity to art, the property will become an official sponsor for Frieze Art Fair 2023 (October 11-15, 2023). Guests can book the Frieze experience, in partnership with Ruinart, complete with chauffeur service to the exhibition space.
Michael Bonsor, managing director of Rosewood London, discusses the hotel’s milestone moment and how the London hotel scene continues to evolve.
When Rosewood London opened 10 years ago, what did it bring to the capital’s hotel scene?
Rosewood London opened in a location that surprised people at
Saudi Arabia announced Thuwal Private Retreat, an ultra-luxurious and likely ultra-secretive private island along its Red Sea coast. Promised as a place of “indulgence” the island opens next year, available for total buy-outs only.
A watch was assembled for the first time at an altitude of over 30,000 ft, thanks to a unique collaboration between Geneva Tourism and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS). A groundbreaking collaboration between Geneva Tourism, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), and SWISS has emerged to celebrate Swiss quality and craftsmanship. At a cruising altitude of 30,000 ft, a watch was meticulously assembled during an unexpected watchmaking workshop on SWISS airline’s Geneva to New York flight, showcasing the precision, craftsmanship, and watchmaking expertise of Geneva. The assembly was carried out by a flight crew member, accompanied by an independent master watchmaker. This unique and unprecedented watch will be unveiled alongside the 84 watches from the official pre-selection of the GPHG traveling exhibition in New York, where standing it will stand as a testament to Swiss excellence. Adrien Genier, Director of Geneva Tourism and member of the GPHG Foundation Board, who was attending the flight, explained the project’s genesis: “As the capital of fine watchmaking, Geneva shines the light on the entire industry worldwide. This one-of-a-kind precision endeavor allows us to take this craftsmanship on a journey.” Romain Vetter, SWISS Director for Western Switzerland, added, “Assembling a watch at 30,000 ft altitude is a fusion of two sectors that represent Swiss quality and reliability. SWISS is thrilled to enable this high-flying assembly.”
From Samhain and All Souls’ Day to Día de Muertos and good old All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween), the northern hemisphere’s autumnal shift into the long, dark days of winter produces creepy and colorful celebrations around the globe.
When Frieze London debuted in 2003, 27,700 visitors came to view 124 gallerists, representing what was then a small London contemporary art scene. Initially founded by Frieze magazine founders Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover, Frieze was eventually purchased by American talent agency and holding group Endeavor. In the 20 years since its inception, the art fair has blown up to become one of the most esteemed in the world, with an annual attendance of over 100,000 and editions in New York and Los Angeles.
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I’ve frequently discussed the tensions in today’s luxury hospitality market. High-end hotels were once comparable to a Saville Row tailored suit: They epitomized craftsmanship, expertise, and rarity.
There’s a new kid on the English Channel block as a new train company aims to launch high-speed service from London to Paris.
Longer vacations are trending within the travel industry, not only offering your clients unforgettable getaways to their dream destinations, but also presenting you with an opportunity to increase your commissions. In response to increasing consumer demand for longer vacations, AmaWaterways has introduced a collection of specially curated 14-night Grand River Cruises.