The Berkeley River eco-resort, accessible only by seaplane or boat in Western Australia
InterContinental Hotel Group launches a brand dedicated to Chinese consumers, whilst Sofitel opens its second property in the UAE and Hilton’s Conrad launches in New York
Luxury hotel brands were some of the quickest to acknowledge the potential of Mainland China, developing properties far beyond Beijing and Shanghai well beyond luxury goods brands came knocking. But what they are now also beginning to gauge, is the growing significance of the affluent Chinese traveller, an increasingly global and mobile consumer who interacts with brands in Shanghai, Wuhan, San Francisco and Paris.
Thinking along these lines, the InterContinental Hotel Group has developed a new hotel brand based on four priorities it feels are important to Chinese travellers: tradition, rejuvenation, status and familiar spaces. HUALUXE – a hybrid of ‘Hua’ meaning majestic China and luxe – has been launched with the understanding that the Chinese traveller wants the status of a world-class luxury hotel group combined with a feeling of pride in China and respect for Chinese tradition.
The hotel giant expects the number of domestic travellers in China to reach 3.3bn in 2015 and forecasts the China hotel market will grow by 5-8% annually by 2030. The group has reportedly signed over 20 letters of intent and expects the first hotel to be open in late 2013 or early 2014, with plans to roll the brand out in 100 Chinese cities in the next 15-20 years.
Sofitel, Abu Dhabi
As part of the new Capital Plaza Complex, Sofitel Luxury Hotels has opened its second property in the UAE at the eastern tip of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. The hotel’s 282 rooms and suites elegantly blend modern design with authentic French “art de recevoir” combined with Arabic hospitality, featuring Jean Cocteau lithographs and sculptures inspired by Brancusi.
Website: sofitel.com
Source: Gulf News
Swissôtel, Chicago
Swissôtel has unveiled renovations at its Chicago location, inspired by the work of the building’s original architect, Harry Weese. The lobby now features backlit glass panels etched with Chicago’s skyline, where check-in pods replace the traditional bulky hotel front desk. Concierges are equipped with tablets for quick access to all necessary information.
Website & Source: swissotel.com
Fairmont Grand Hotel, Kyiv
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the opening of Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv, the luxury brand’s first hotel in Eastern Europe. The 258-room, 54-suite property offers spectacular views of Podil Square and the Dnipro River, as well as a fully equipped business centre with 24-hour access as well as secretarial services.
Website: fairmont.com
Source: Elite Traveler
Radisson Blu Istanbul Asia, Istanbul
Offering Super chic and contemporary Istanbul accommodation, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Asia has 195 stylish, well-appointed guest rooms and suites, featuring a mix of designer furnishings and every conceivable modern convenience, including free high-speed Internet access, Anne Sémonin bath amenities and a 37-inch LCD television.
Website: radissonblu.com
Source: Hospitality.net
The Westin Lake, Las Vegas
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has launched The Westin Lake Resort and Spa, its second location in Las Vegas. 493 rooms and suites, feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed, exclusive SuperFoodsRX® menus, White Tea Aloe bath amenities and in-room, high-speed Internet access alongside ergonomic workspaces.
Website: westin.com
Source: 4-Traders
Viceroy, Maldives
Located in Shaviyani Atoll, Viceroy Maldives is an ultra luxury resort comprising of 61 Villas with 32 over the water and 29 on the beach, designed for maximum privacy. The resort features five distinct dining venues, specialised massage techniques, yoga practices and dietary guidance as well as a series of Ayurvedic, regional and traditional spa treatments.
Website: viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
Source: CPP Luxury
Conrad, New York
Rising 16 stories along the Hudson River waterfront, Conrad New York is the first NYC address from Conrad Hotels & Resorts, the global luxury brand of Hilton Worldwide. The 463 all-suite luxury hotel features panel televisions, one-touch technologies, wireless Internet access and iPod sound docks. Contemporary design by interior designer Jill Greaves has incorporated custom furnishings through separate areas for work and sleep as well as spacious bathrooms.
Website: conradhotels3.hilton.com
Source: Market Watch
Capofaro, Salina
The Capofaro Malvasia & Resort has reopened following extensive renovations, on the Eolian Island of Salina in Southern Italy. One of the first Mediterranean wine resorts and retreats, the property is surrounded by the lush of Malvasia vineyards on soft slopes degrading towards the blue sea. Just twenty rooms are laid out across seven acres of vineyards, all of which have a terrace overlooking the sea.
Website: capofaro.it
Source: Grassi + Partners
Berkeley River, Western Australia
Berkeley River luxury resort has opened in Far North Western Australia, on a 4600 hectare site accessible only by seaplane and boat. Located near a stunning river, with waterfalls and fresh water holes, 20 luxury “eco friendly” villas feature open air bathrooms with a shower and full bath. The resort can also arrange private boat and helicopter expeditions for guests.
Website: berkeleyriver.com.au
Source: The West
Westin, Xian
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has launched The Westin Xian, its first entry into the Shaanxi province of China and the first hotel in Xian to have its own museum, paying tribute to the ancient history of China with a collection of over 2,000 artefacts. 329 rooms and 32 apartments feature LCD televisions, rainforest showers, extra-large closets, personal refreshment centres, and Westin’s signature Heavenly beds.
Website & Source: westin.com
For more in the series of The Latest Hotels, please see our most recent editions as follows:
– The Latest Hotels, Istanbul, Panama & Berlin
– The Latest Hotels, Mumbai, Moscow & Riviera Maya
– The Latest Hotels, Kitzbühel, Tuscany & Hanoi
© Luxury Society, The Latest Hotels: Kyiv, Abu Dhabi & Western Australia, 24 April 2012, by Sophie Duran.
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