AccorHotels has announced that the highly anticipated Sofitel Singapore City Centre will open its doors in October and will be the group’s landmark 800th hotel in Asia Pacific. Nestled amidst historic shop houses and towering skyscrapers, the 223-room luxury hotel is elegantly designed, reflecting Singapore’s rich cultural heritage with undeniable French flair.

“The unveiling of Sofitel Singapore City Centre marks an important milestone for AccorHotels as we continue to strengthen our presence in the region,” says Michael Issenberg, Chairman & CEO of AccorHotels Asia Pacific. “I am pleased to announce that this flagship hotel is our 800th property in Asia-Pacific and opens at a time when we are focused on strengthening our luxury credentials globally.”

An oasis at the heart of historic Tanjong Pagar, the hotel is strategically situated just 20 minutes from Singapore’s Changi Airport. It will be AccorHotels’ 13th hotel in Singapore and will be shortly followed by a combined 782-room Novotel and Mercure complex which will open on Stevens Road, firmly cementing the group’s position as the largest hotel operator in Singapore.

Guests entering Sofitel Singapore City Centre are welcomed by the shimmering Singapour Je T’aime, a stunning nine-meter chandelier designed by Lasvit. This stunning art installation of glass leaves that whirl through the lobby, comprises 700 hand-blown glass crystals.

Sofitel’s commitment to culture and design is brought to life with an outstanding collection of custom-made furniture and artworks including designer uniforms accentuated with floral prints, evoking the strong botanic theme that runs throughout the hotel.

The hotel’s interiors elegantly juxtapose vibrant rose gold accents with striking design features and botanical motifs, inspired by the sublime geometry of a traditional jardin à la française and the rich green spaces of Singapore, also known as the Garden City.

Guests may choose from 223 well-appointed rooms and suites featuring floor to ceiling windows; complimentary minibars serviced by the hotel’s very own droid butler – Sophie The Robot; Sofitel’s luxurious MyBed; a Handy Phone which provides access to free local and international calls to 10 countries and Wi-Fi on the go; Smart TVs and Bose Sound systems; large soaking tubs with separate rain showers and luxurious Lanvin or Hermes amenities
Sofitel Singapore City Centre offers several dining outlets including Racines, helmed by award-winning Executive Chef Jean-Charles Dubois, which will offer both French and Chinese cuisines prepared by two distinct culinary brigades across four open kitchens for a truly interactive culinary experience.

Following the tradition of barrel-aged cocktail-making and the simple sophistication of martinis, 1864 (homage to the foundation year of Tanjong Pagar’s docking industry) aims to provide the perfect after-work vibe. This bar will also be the home for the timeless ritual of Champagne sabering. Guests can enjoy Sofitel’s signature afternoon Hi-Tea and handcrafted gourmet bites and tapas throughout the day.

Guests of Luxury Club Rooms and Suites will enjoy the services of Club Millésime, including breakfast, evening cocktails and canapes, a library, intimate meeting spaces and a butler service.

Sofitel Singapore City Centre will offer 20,000 square feet of meeting spaces across 10 flexible venues including the 600 sqm Wallich Ballroom, named after Nathaniel Wallich, the founding father of the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The hotel has partnered with the award-winning Imperial Treasure to provide premium wedding and banqueting menus.
In addition to its own SoFit gym, Club floor guests can enjoy access to the adjacent Virgin Active Fitness Club – Tanjong Pagar which will offer a range of wellness programs. A specially-designed In-Room Fitness Kit complemented with a series of workout videos is available in all rooms and guests can also enjoy the 30m infinity pool and spacious Lawn for rejuvenating morning yoga. Guests looking for a holistic spa experience will be pampered at SoSpa located at Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa.

Sofitel continues to expand its global portfolio with recent openings of Sofitel Baltimore in Paris, Sofitel Foshan and the latest Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara and Sofitel Guiyang Hunter. Upcoming flagship hotel soon to open in Asia Pacific will be the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.

To celebrate the opening of Sofitel’s flagship property in Singapore, the hotel is offering a special opening rate of $800++ per room for two nights, in commemoration of Sofitel Singapore City Centre being the 800th Accor Hotel in Asia Pacific.

Coco, a healthy dolphin calf, is swimming her way into the hearts of guests and staff alike at The Mirage. The female calf, born July 17 at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, was officially named this week after an employee contest that drew 300 entries.

Coco displays the initials of MGM Resorts International’s “One Company, One Culture” employee philosophy in reverse order.

Coco, her mother Huf n Puf, grandmother Duchess and sister Bella are in the Birthing and Research pool, which is open to public viewing during the facility’s operational hours. Together, these females represent three generations of dolphins at The Mirage. Sofi, an 11-year-old female, completes the female pod. The calf’s father, Lightning, is located in another pool.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation in conjunction with LATAM Hotel Corporation and GHL Hotels, announced the opening of Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, the brand’s first hotel in Central America. The 138-room hotel is located along 2nd Avenue in the heart of Guatemala City’s Zona 10, known locally as “Zona Viva,” which is considered one of the city’s most upscale commercial areas and provides a perfect launch pad for guests to explore and discover the diverse offering of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

“This hotel is a prime destination in Guatemala City, allowing guests to begin their journey of the country’s economic, governmental, and cultural center,” said George Vizer, vice president of franchise operations, Hyatt. “We are confident Hyatt Centric Guatemala City will deliver on the brand’s commitment to put guests in the middle of the action and inspire them to explore Guatemala’s capital city.”

As the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Central America, the hotel is designed to make guests feel welcome and connected to the heart of Guatemala City and all it has to offer. From Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, guests can meander through the National Museum of Archeology, shop for handmade textiles at the Plaza Mayor, and experience the Historic Center and National Palace. Additionally, La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala’s passenger and cargo hub, is only 10 minutes away from the hotel.

“Hyatt Centric is a globally recognized brand – we are confident that Hyatt Centric Guatemala City will serve as a terrific launch pad for guests, but will also be a great gathering point for the local community. Furthermore, the location of the hotel in Zona Viva will position Hyatt Centric Guatemala City as an outstanding hotel in the city,” said Fernando Paiz, president of Latam Hotels Corporation.

“We are delighted to open Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, which will set a new standard for hospitality, service and facilities in Guatemala City. Hyatt Centric is a globally recognized brand, and whether traveling for leisure or business, our guests will have the opportunity to explore a full service lifestyle hotel and have a wonderful experience,” said Jorge Londoño, president of GHL Hotels.

Guestrooms
Modern explorers can relax and recharge in one of the hotel’s 138 guestrooms and suites, each complete with floor-to-ceiling views of Guatemala City or the hotel’s atrium. Design features include vintage artwork highlighting Guatemalan culture and desired conveniences such as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an airport shuttle to La Aurora International Airport are provided with your stay.

Dining and Drinking
Food lovers can discover local flavors at the hotel’s distinct dining outlets. Starting with the hotel’s main restaurant, Zamat brings a unique open kitchen concept offering a delicious mix of modern inspirations and classic dishes prepared with local ingredients. Decorated with organic materials such as wood and the colorful textiles from Guatemala, Zamat features a display wall with the traditional masks of Guatemala as a central point of the restaurant. Adding to its character and a sense of place, an artisanal cocktail menu featuring local plants enhances the experience and atmosphere.
When the sun starts to set over Guatemala City, guests will find themselves at Zielo. This unique rooftop restaurant with a central open kitchen is the perfect place to relax or spend time with friends, family, and colleagues while being in the middle of the action. Enjoy tropical cocktails, live music once a week and a casual menu consisting of pizzas, small bites, and other sharing plates.

Additional food and beverage outlets include the exclusive Bar Zeis and Ezprezzo Corner, which serves delicious coffees from different regions of Guatemala with gourmet pastries.

Wellness and Recreation
The rooftop fitness center at Hyatt Centric Guatemala City pulls out all the stops to motivate your workout. Guests can enjoy skyline views while getting their heart rate going on a treadmill or stationary bike. Additionally, guests can round out their workout with a suite of strength-training equipment.

Pet Friendly
Guests are welcomed to join us with their favorite four-legged friend during their stay in Guatemala City. Up to one dog per room weighing up to 40 pounds. The hotel offer beds, bowls, toys, and treats, free of charge.

Source: Hyatt Hotels

Elandis, an international hospitality and real estate ownership, development and property management subsidiary of the Libra Group, announced today that it has completed the structure of Hyatt Place Macaé Hotel in Brazil. The 141-guestroom hotel is a joint project development with an affiliate of Hyatt, and will be located 110 miles northeast of Rio de Janeiro. The oceanfront hotel is slated to open in February 2018.

Hyatt Place Macaé is part of a large master development agreement between an affiliate of Hyatt and Elandis, to develop a total of nine Hyatt Place hotels throughout Brazil. Hyatt Place Macaé is set to be the second Hyatt Place hotel opening, joining Hyatt Place São José do Rio Preto, which opened in November 2016.

“We are excited to be completing the building’s highest floor marking a significant accomplishment in our industry. It is rewarding to reach this milestone within the predefined timeframe,” said Alexandros Kallantzis, Head of Brazil of Elandis. “This hotel will both address the robust business segment of the area, as well as leisure travelers. We see a lot of potential for weekends as well as it is an appealing area that will likely expand in the short-term as a destination.”

Construction of this project commenced in December 2015. With the finalized structure in place and more than half of the construction activities completed, the hotel development is on track.

Centrally located in Cavaleiros, a vibrant beachfront neighborhood, the new ocean-facing Hyatt Place Macaé will additionally feature a rooftop swimming pool with snack bar, a fitness center, more than 1,700 square feet of flexible meeting space, a lobby lounge and restaurant.

Known as an economic hub for the petroleum industry, the city of Macaé services the majority of Brazil’s off-shore oil platforms and serves as the location for numerous global corporations to establish their headquarters.

The Resort at Pedregal, Los Cabos’ premier Five Diamond, Five Star destination resort, is pleased to welcome Director of Sales and Marketing Jorge Villarreal to the team. In his new role, Villarreal will be responsible for the continued success of the resort where he will oversee all hotel sales, marketing and communication initiatives, directing group sales strategies and implementing target marketing initiatives in order to maximize revenue opportunities and property goals.

“Behind every great resort is a dynamic leader, and Jorge brings unparalleled dedication coupled with his years of industry experience to The Resort at Pedregal,” said General Manager Fernando Flores. “His enthusiasm is contagious and together with our team, he will bring vibrancy to the destination’s leading resort.”

With 20 years of experience in sales director and management roles, Villarreal brings a comprehensive knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry acquired through his extensive background at an assortment of luxury resorts. Most recently, Jorge was the opening director of sales and marketing at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, which under his leadership received various prestigious awards and accolades upon opening. After launching his career at the Hyatt Continental in Acapulco, Mexico, he spent most of his career in Los Cabos, having held various director of sales roles at Villa La Estancia Resorts & Spas, Los Cabos, Presidente InterContinental, Los Cabos, and One&Only Palmilla where he learned from the late visionary hotelier Edward Steiner. Villarreal has a terrific overview of the Mexican hospitality market, having also worked as the director of sales at Villa La Estancia Resorts & Spas, Riviera Nayarit, and Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun.

“I am honored for the opportunity to shine a light on this alluring property that’s such a standout in Los Cabos,” said Jorge. “I look forward to continuing the resort’s success by ushering in a new class of luxury leisure, business and group travelers.”

Villarreal graduated from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City where he received his degree in Hospitality Management. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, long-distance running, and exploring new places to travel with his wife, Lupita, and two daughters.

For more information on The Resort at Pedregal, please visit www.theresortatpedregal.com.

Hidden behind the doors of Moody Gardens’ Aquarium Pyramid awaits an awe-inspiring underwater experience that includes a new Humboldt Penguin Habitat, a Mangrove Lagoon touch tank that is home to stingrays and sharks and a multi-level 30,000 gallon Oil Rig Tank.

But, these new treasures won’t remain hidden for much longer. Moody Gardens will host a Grand Reveal May 27, 2017, giving guests their first glimpse into the completed multi-phased $37 million renovation project at the Aquarium Pyramid.

Guests will journey to new depths this summer, exploring the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, South Pacific, North Pacific and the Caribbean. Each ocean exhibit highlights different marine sanctuaries and relationship aspects to the seas with conservation messages that underscore the vital importance of the oceans.

Meet the new Humboldt penguins
Moody Gardens is thrilled to introduce these unique warm-climate penguins that hail from Southern Hemisphere waters from the Antarctic Pole to the Equator. This is the second penguin exhibit at Moody Gardens and the Humboldts are right next door to the South Atlantic Penguin Habitat, home to the King, Gentoo, Chinstrap, Rockhopper and Macaroni penguins. As part of the recent renovations, the South Atlantic Penguin Habitat is newly enhanced to better benefit guests and the health and livelihood of the penguins within.

Gulf of Mexico Rig Exhibit
See the balance of technology and nature through this impressive 30,000 gallon, two-story, 23-foot scale model oil production platform aquarium. These manmade islands provide valuable attachment surfaces for a variety of encrusting organisms to create an entire reef ecosystem found throughout the Gulf of Mexico. This new exhibit includes diver communication for presentations and interaction, further engaging guests in their underwater experience.

The Caribbean
Journeys to the Caribbean begin with the new Mangrove Lagoon. Touch Cownose Stingrays and Bonnethead Sharks as they swim lazily around the jungle of stilt roots that most of the region’s fish call home. Naturalists are on hand to help guests learn more about these important ecosystems. A second touch tank features small fish, Sea Stars, Hermit Crabs, Pencil Urchins and other invertebrates allowing guests to cross the water/air border.

Moody Gardens is highlighting a hidden gem from the Gulf of Mexico. The new Flower Garden Banks Exhibit brings attention to the unique tropical coral reef system found just 115 miles offshore.

With help from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, guests experience the East Flower Garden Bank, West Flower Garden Bank and Stetson Bank up close and personal. The exhibit includes examples of Brain, Star and Elkhorn coral, to name a few, all of which can be seen on the banks. The Flower Garden Banks reef system is one of the healthiest in the Gulf and Caribbean regions.

Guests are completely immersed in the Caribbean Exhibit with breathtaking views as Sharks, Rays and other tropical fish swim overhead while they walk through the tunnel in this one million-gallon exhibit, giving them the sense of diving in the Caribbean.

New to the exhibit is The Pride, a 19th century rum-runner shipwreck replica, loosely based on the vessel sailed by famed Galveston pirate Jean Lafitte. Divers spent a total of 68.5 hours underwater putting together the ship, which arrived in about 75 individual pieces.

Also new are in-water presentations by Moody Gardens divers. With additions to the exhibit, guests are bound to have questions. Divers are now able to take and answers questions while in the exhibit.

North Pacific Gallery
This exhibit focuses on the high-energy coastline to the west. Seals and Sea Lions are featured prominently alongside other kelp forest inhabitants including Leopard Sharks and the long-lived Rockfish. Jewel aquariums highlight the coastal surge zone, ingenious Giant Pacific Octopus and the relatively unknown deep water coral communities that act as nursery habitat for many commercial fisheries.

And, that’s not all
Don’t miss out on the whimsical and colorful array of soft-bodied predators inside the new Jellyfish Gallery. Lights, sounds and textures further enhance the display of these free swimming coral relatives.

There’s also the South Pacific Biome that showcases the tremendous diversity that is found in the epicenter of the coral reef evolution. Colorful corals, invertebrates, fishes and sharks fill the niche habitats highlighted in the large and small aquarium features.

Guests are able to engage with aquarium staff as they perform essential functions in the working conservation lab. Watch and ask questions as they work in the nursery, perform aquarium water quality tests, necropsies, grow algae as a food source and other functions in their daily lab work.

New exhibits will not only inspire visitor interest and empathy, but also connect visitors to specific ocean habitats, further establishing the Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid as the largest and most diverse aquarium in the southwest.

The Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel & Executive Meeting Center, a leading hotel managed by Hersha Hospitality Management, announces completion of an expansive 10 million dollar transformation.  Led by the internationally-recognized hospitality design firm, Puccini Group, these transformational enhancements include; all 405 guestrooms, lobby and outdoor pool as well as the entryway of the property. 

“We believe that this fresh new look will elevate the guest experience at every touch point of our hotel, far above and beyond the convenience of being the closest hotel to the airport and a number of Miami’s most popular attractions,” says Dan McDermott, General Manager of the property.  “This thoughtful and seamless redesign caters to the needs and necessities that are important to the diverse group of travelers we welcome each day at our hotel and Executive Meeting Center.”

The hotel’s transformation blends a modern tropical resort-like experience with the signature Sheraton comfort and convenience that guests have come to find synonymous with the brand. Perfectly located at the gateway of Miami, the 405-room hotel is the closest hotel to Miami Airport, which serves as the largest gateway for Latin America and the Caribbean.  The hotel has direct pedestrian access to both the airport and the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), which provides direct connections to South Beach and Brickell.  This exciting renovation highlights the property’s sophisticated design, award-winning service, and world-class amenities setting the stage for a unique and memorable hospitality experience that does not just meet but exceeds expectations for business and leisure travelers, alike.

The arrival experience at the hotel begins with a refreshed entryway and porte corche leading into a chic redesigned lobby.  The space is brought to life through the incorporation of striking geometric shapes, colorful aft work and lush greenery.  Plush, contemporary lounge seating is sprinkled throughout, partly screened by partial link walls creating a space that can be both social and semi private in nature. A striking overhead lighting feature opens up the space by drawing attention upward and complementing the vertically integrated greenery.

Stepping outside the rear of the lobby into the outdoor pool area, guests will be immersed in a resort-like experience.  Adjacent to the Miami River and Melreese Golf Course, the hotel’s pool has been transformed into a tropical paradise with indigenous plants, luxurious fabrics and a range of statement seating options.   A unique white sandy beach installation allows guests the opportunity to get a taste of the quintessential south Florida beach experience as they swim, sun and dip their toes in the sand with a cocktail in hand.  Adjacent to this poolside paradise, guests can dine al fresco on the patio of the Rickenbacker, the hotel’s flagship restaurant that serves up a comprehensive menu of creative cocktails and seasonally artisanal cuisine.  Additional indoor dining options include MbarK, where vintage chic meets contemporary design and cocktails can be enjoyed over bistro-style fare. 

Each spacious guestroom has been transformed into a welcoming oasis through modern, clean, and relaxing design elements.  A primarily neutral palette is paired with eclectic furniture pieces and patterns in the form of a custom textile headboard and carefully placed touches of color that add personality and infuse a sense of space that is authentic to Miami.  Each room also features updated bathrooms and signature Sheraton sleep experience alongside additional amenities to the likes of; 37″ flat-screen TV’s, high speed internet, oversized work desk with a Herman Miller ergonomic chair and conveniently placed electrical outlets.  A number of guestrooms also boast sweeping views of Miami.

These transformational property enhancements also include 17,000 square feet of recently renovated, custom-built event space that can cater to groups of 30 to 300 and is conveniently located on a single floor.  As the only International Association of Conference Centers certified hotel in South Florida, meeting planners and business travelers can rest assured in the hands of the hotel’s dedicated IACC-trained staff, including an Executive Meeting Center Concierge.  Additional perks include a 24-hour Club Lounge, fitness center, preferred rates at the renowned Melreese Golf course and complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle.  

Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has announced plans to open and operate a new hotel in the Warehouse District of New Orleans. Expected to break ground in April 2017 and open its doors in early 2019, Virgin Hotels New Orleans will be developed by Dallas-based Gatehouse Capital.

Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels, commented, “New Orleans is an incredibly special city and one Virgin Hotels has had an eye on from the beginning. The history, the food, the music, the spirit – they all work together to make it a one-of-a-kind destination for both business and leisure travelers. We’re excited to bring the Virgin experience to the Big Easy because it’s a perfect fit in terms of our values and our emphasis on creating unique and immersive experiences for our guests.”

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is situated in the city’s Warehouse District at 550 Baronne Street. The up-and-coming area sits directly next to the Central Business District and is home to a growing number of new restaurants, galleries and shops. The new-build hotel will feature 225 chambers, the brand’s flagship space, The Commons Club, a rooftop pool and lounge, gym, and dedicated meeting and event spaces.

Gatehouse Capital has chosen RTKL Architects, Mathes Brierre Architects, and Broadmoor Construction to complete the hotel. Virgin Hotels’ Vice President of Design Teddy Mayer has also tapped a local design firm to bring an authentic New Orleans flair to the project.

“Gatehouse Capital, whom we are currently working with to develop our Virgin Hotels Dallas property, is an outstanding example of a partner that understands the Virgin vision and can help bring it to life,” said Leal.
Adds Marty Collins, CEO of Gatehouse Capital: “This is the second Virgin Hotel development within our lifestyle platform; and we hope to announce others in the very near future. We look forward to being an even more significant part of Virgin Hotel’s brand expansion.”

Virgin Hotels Chicago is now open and accepting reservations at virginhotels.com, with Nashville, Dallas, Palm Springs, New York, Silicon Valley and others to follow. Virgin Hotels continues to explore hotel and office conversions as well as ground-up development in cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington DC, and London.

About Virgin Hotels:
Virgin Hotels is a lifestyle hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service, straightforward value and a seamless, personalized hotel experience with the track record of innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group has pioneered for over 40 years. Each property will intermix a passion for food and beverage with music and culture, fusing with the local landscape and providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for travelers and locals alike. For more information, please visit www.virginhotels.com.

About Gatehouse Capital:
Founded in 1997, Gatehouse Capital is a national real estate investment and development firm that has launched major mixed-use lifestyle developments such as the W Hollywood Hotel and Residences, W Dallas Victory Hotel and Residences, as well as hotels among the Hilton, Marriott and Starwood brands totaling more than $1 billion in development. Gatehouse Capital has a reputation for elevating brands and creating hospitality projects that resonate with their guests and their communities. By partnering with industry leaders and visionaries, Gatehouse continually validates its core mission: to deliver extraordinary projects in every sense, beginning with economic return. More information is available at gatehousecapital.com.