July was a whirlwind — and, well, the news was nonstop. Between politics, that wild global computer fiasco (you know, the one that hit airlines hard) and the Olympics starting, you might have missed some big news on the hotel front.
Earlier this month, we reported that the Park Hyatt Marrakech finally opened its doors to guests, and later, we learned that the brand's parent company, Hyatt, is in talks to partner up with Standard Hotels, the ultracool hotel brand with locations from New York to Bangkok. Also in the world of Hyatt (pun intended), the highly anticipated Park Hyatt London River Thames is now accepting reservations for the fall.
We also learned World of Hyatt members can now go glamping on points, while Hilton Honors members can book nearly 400 Small Luxury Hotels; Rosewood opened in a stunning Austrian castle; and Wyndham's new extended-stay brand opened its first location in the U.S.
Personally, I thought the biggest news was that The Mirage in Las Vegas officially closed and will begin the process of transforming into the Hard Rock Las Vegas, replacing the famed volcano with a towering glass building shaped like a guitar. If you have feelings about that like I do, you'll appreciate my love letter to The Mirage, the hotel that changed the world — and my life.
Here's what else you need to know:
Known for minimalistic, boho designs and an overall sense of laidback cool, Drift Hotels' four chic properties are now part of Marriott's Design Hotels portfolio and Marriott Bonvoy. Found in San Jose del Cabo in Mexico and Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Nashville in the U.S., these hotels are the kind where you know you'll get a good meal, a good cocktail and a really good Instagram photo. And now, you can book a stay at one of these properties using Marriott Bonvoy points, whether you're looking for a taco-centric trip on the Baja peninsula or something that feels more West Coast than country in one of Nashville's trendiest neighborhoods.
Every summer, major fashion brands open pop-up stores and take over beach clubs and pools around the world. This year is no different — and Four Seasons is right in the middle of the action, if not pushing it to the next level by playing host to the first-ever North American outpost of Jacquemus. The French brand's pop-up store can be found at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, in the Bahamas, alongside a Jacquemus-themed pool takeover featuring Simon Porte Jacquemus' take on everything from pool loungers to pool toys. But you don't have to travel to the Bahamas to get in on the action — a limited-edition Jacquemus beach towel is available for purchase on the Four Seasons website.
Other Four Seasons summer collaborations include Christian Dior at Four
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You don’t hear about Central Florida very often, and when you do, chances are it has something to do with Walt Disney World. But just over an hour north of the famed resort complex is the mid-sized city of Ocala, a destination bursting with superlatives, including “America’s largest spring” and “horse capital of the world.”
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Charissa Enget, a content creator and cybersecurity architect who gained her graduate degree in Thailand. It has been edited for length and clarity.
On a particularly relaxed Friday in August, I spent the morning with my two best friends in the Tulum jungle, splashing around what I'm quite sure is the world's most entertaining pool. We were at the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya Resort's spa pool, which comes tricked out with mystery buttons around the perimeter, each setting off a variety of jets, waterfalls, and even a surge of bubbles bursting out from a lounger submerged a foot below the water's surface.
UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation have solidified their ongoing partnership by signing an agreement at the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid. The agreement focuses on empowering artists and artisans, particularly women and youth, in rural tourism destinations in Africa. With this new agreement, TUI Care Foundation becomes the first partner to support the pilot phase of the Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants Programme by UN Tourism.
DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre opens its doors to guests following an extensive re-brand of one of the city’s iconic, landmark properties. The 265-room hotel, located at the base of Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge, is the latest addition to the growing DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio in Europe, and marks a first for the popular hotel brand in the Dutch city.
Hilton’s growth strategy in Asia Pacific is multifaceted. It is the fastest growing hotel company in the region, with almost 1 in 4 hotel rooms under construction bearing a Hilton flag.
Heading into the summer holidays it can be tricky to keep children entertained with new ideas. With searches for ‘free family days out’ surging by 123% in just the past week, families are looking for exciting days out to keep young ones happy whilst watching the pennies.