It’s the last Hotel Wrap of the year! Make sure you get your fill of all the latest openings, upgrades and deals before Christmas break.

Reservations now open for Pokémon rooms at Apartment Hotel Mimaru

Cosmos Initia a member of the Daiwa House Group, in collaboration with The Pokémon Company, announced that reservations for Pokémon Rooms at Apartment Hotel Mimaru locations in Tokyo and Kyoto, are open as of today for stays beginning Tuesday, 24 December.

Five Mimaru Locations in Tokyo and Kyoto will feature Pokémon Rooms with Pokémon-themed décor such as giant sleeping Snorlax and dishes with Poké Ball patterns. All guests will also receive complimentary Pokémon merchandise exclusive to the hotel.

Marriott International signs agreement with Landmark Sabbour to open W Hotel in Cairo

Marriott International has entered into an agreement with Landmark Sabbour to bring the W Brand’s bold design, signature Whatever/Whenever service and innovative programming to Cairo, underscoring the growing demand for luxury in Egypt. Expected to open in 2024, W Cairo will be situated in 1-Ninety, a 300,000-square-metre mixed-use development in the emerging New Cairo district featuring retail space, commercial and residential components.

To be located just 25 kilometres from Cairo International Airport, the new hotel will add its own vibrant W experience to the ultra-modern urban landscape of New Cairo. Known for seeking out new/next destinations in buzzworthy markets around the globe, W is poised to welcome guests and locals to the new-build locale as the city’s reputation for ground-breaking design grows as fast as its skyline.

When W Cairo opens in 2024, the hotel will embody W Hotels’ work hard, play hard philosophy with a signature WET Deck (pool deck), AWAY Spa and FIT  Fitness Centre alongside 350 stunning rooms and suites. The hotel is also expected to offer multiple food and beverage venues, plenty of spaces to mix and mingle, plus meetings and events space which will include a 500-square-metre Great Room.

TRADE ALERT: Club Med Asia Pacific CEO celebrates successes in Western Australia

Club Med Asia Pacific CEO Xavier Desaulles hosted a partner appreciation breakfast at the QT hotel in Perth for the all-inclusive resort group’s key trade partners in Western Australia.

There were many successes celebrated throughout the APAC CEO’s visit of the West, including 25 years of service from long term Perth based Business Development Manager Erin Smith.

As well as an outstanding contribution to the business from the groups highest grossing boutique store in Australia for 2019, Global Travel Solutions. Proprietor Jo Francis’s dream shopfront became reality only 18 months ago and ever since, the Global Travel Solutions shop in shop has been a huge success with both the local community and Club Med clients.

Celebrate Christmas with Accor

From seafood buffets to indulgent four-course dinners, celebrate the festive season with family and friends across a multitude of Accor hotels in Australia and New Zealand.

Highlights of this season’s Christmas offerings include:

Queensland:

Pullman Cairns International:  Gather your family and friends for a joyous Christmas Day while enjoying an indulgent seafood buffet at Pullman Cairns International.

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort: Enjoy all of the Christmas delicacies at Nouveau Restaurant while you overlook the main pool of Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.

Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas: Feast on a traditional seafood and carvery buffet this Christmas Day at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas.

New South Wales:

Mercure Sydney: Celebrate the festive season over Christmas and New Year’s with spectacular dining offers at Platform 818, situated in Mercure Sydney.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour: Indulge in a four-course Christmas dinner prepared by Executive Chef Eric Costille at Atelier by Sofitel, located in Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.

Harbour Rocks Hotel MGallery by Sofitel: Enjoy a Christmas Day lunch inspired by the flavours of the Middle East at Tayim Restaurant situated within Harbour Rocks Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel.

Australian Capital Territory:

Novotel Canberra: This Christmas have someone else take care of the cooking and enjoy a traditional Christmas seafood buffet at Novotel Canberra.

Victoria:

The Olsen Melbourne: Join the team at The Olsen Melbourne and enjoy a mouth-watering lunch experience, inspired by John Olsen’s love of all things Australian.

Tasmania:

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge: Enjoy a family style Christmas lunch and immerse yourself in Tasmania’s finest produce at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.

South Australia:

Novotel Barossa Valley Resort: Celebrate Christmas Day in the Barossa Valley at Novotel Barossa Valley Resort and enjoy a Christmas lunch created by Executive Chef Derek Salmon.

Western Australia:

The Adnate Perth: HYDE-away from cooking and enjoy Christmas poolside at Hyde Perth Kitchen + Cocktails, situated in The Adnate Perth.

Northern Territory:

Mercure Alice Springs Resort: Gather your family and friends and escape the heat while you enjoy Christmas lunch at Mercure Alice Springs Resort.

New Zealand:

Peppers Parehua: Celebrate the festive season in style with Peppers Parehua this Christmas Day at Pavilion Restaurant.

Six Senses London to open in the former art deco Whiteleys Department Store

With its proximity to Hyde Park and Kensington Palace, Bayswater in West London is recognized for its streets lined with grand terraces of white stucco houses and garden squares. Among them is an iconic building and former department store – Whiteleys – soon to become home to Six Senses London.

The hotel, wellness club and spa mark the brand’s entry into the UK and will open with 110 guest rooms and suites, starting from 355 square feet (33 square meters) and celebrating the building’s origins, while making space for modern living. There will also be 14 branded residences, with owners able to tap into all the privileges that come with a Six Senses home, including bespoke interior design, concierge service, dining, housekeeping and wellness programming.

Introducing Botania Relais & Spa in Ischia, Italy

A newly transformed resort destination will re-open as Botania Relais & Spa in Ischia, Italy in April 2020.

The former Garden & Villas Resort is currently undergoing major renovation and enhancements to the guest experience during the seasonal closure of the popular holiday location for Australians from October to April.

Upon reopening on 1 April 2020 Botania Relais & Spa will feature 49 rooms including 10 villas whilst suite interiors will be increased to a minimum 32 square metres up to 68 square metres.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World welcomes Gangtey Lodge

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has welcomed its very first member hotel in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Perched above the mystical Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley with sweeping views of towering mountains above and the valley floor dotted with traditional farmhouses and the occasional yak, multi-award-winning Gangtey Lodge delivers a genuine and authentic experience in one of the world’s most undiscovered destinations.

Pan Pacific Hotels Group to open its first London hotel in Autumn 2020

Pan Pacific Hotels Groups will plant its first flag in Europe with Pan Pacific London. Opening in Autumn 2020, Pan Pacific will be the unparalleled address for the discerning well-heeled travellers who seek to find a balance in life.

Having identified Aldgate’s importance as a creative, business and technology hub – no longer a corridor between the City and the East – the 237-room hotel is located in One Bishopsgate Plaza, London’s new landmark tower just across from Liverpool Street Station.

Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, Pan Pacific London provides a retreat unmatched in scale and quality by any existing hotels in the area. The hotel’s Signature Suite, perched on the 18th floor will be the epitome of luxury with spectacular views to city landmark, The Gherkin.

Como Maalifushi launches first luxury underwater photography retreat in the Maldives

The private island resort COMO Maalifushi has teamed up with award-winning underwater photographer, Henley Spiers, to provide guests with an immersive underwater photography retreat in the Maldives.

The resort is surrounded by translucent waters teeming with colourful fish: rich biodiversity and rare topography that make for exceptional underwater images. Practical photography sessions submerged in this colourful world will be combined with on-land training and post-production sessions to ensure guests leave with a 360-degree understanding of underwater photography.

Guests will spend each day in the company of instructor Henley Spiers, a professional photographer known for his prolific series of winning images in multiple prestigious competitions, including the Underwater Photographer of the Year.

Bawah Reserve partners with WWF-Indonesia

Bawah Reserve has entered a new partnership with WWF-Indonesia through its Signing Blue program, which was launched in 2015 to promote responsible marine tourism in Indonesia.

WWF is the world’s leading non-governmental organisation in wildlife conservation; and its Indonesian arm is dedicated to stopping and eventually reversing environmental degradation in the region and building a future where people live in harmony with nature.

Signing Blue encourages tourists and tourism businesses visiting and operating in the surrounding countries to improve their behaviours and activities. It also educates people about how they can actively protect natural resources.

In order to be admitted to the Signing Blue program, tourism businesses such as Bawah Reserve go through an extensive accreditation process by a team of independent auditors. Sustainability practices, community welfare, and most importantly, marine conservation efforts are checked and verified onsite.

TORONTO TO TOKYO: two new properties for Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Pan Pacific Toronto

• 409 generously-sized guest rooms and suites
• Has been awarded consistently with the AAA Four Diamond, more times than any other hotel in Canada
• Has just seen a CAD15 million renovation this year
• Has a heritage of 45 years with its 15 acres of parkland
• The fifth hotel for Pan Pacific Hotels Group in North America, joining Vancouver, Whistler in British Columbia and Seattle

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel (five-star)

• Towering at 188 metres, the hotel dominates the skyline of Tokyo’s trendy Shibuya
• Spread over 40 floors, all 411 rooms open up to unobstructed views of the glittering night-cap (and Mount Fuji on a clear day)
• Eight fantastic F&B outlets: Japanese fine dining restaurant, French restaurant, 100-seat jazz club, glamorous piano bar and more
• Comprehensive full suite of wellness facilities, including indoor heated pool, Japanese style sauna
• Beauty salon, dental clinic, art gallery and lounge with French pastries

Stylish stay at Four Points by Sheraton Auckland for Auckland Arts Festival 2020

The feast of theatre, dance, circus, cabaret, music and visual arts that is Auckland Arts Festival takes place in March, and Four Points by Sheraton Auckland has attractive package options for festivalgoers wanting a stylish stay in the heart of Auckland’s arts district.

As the preferred accommodation provider and sponsor of the festival’s iconic Spiegeltent in Aotea Square, Four Points by Sheraton Auckland is offering packages including premium tickets to Limbo Unhinged, one night’s accommodation in a Superior King Room, breakfast at Queen’s Head Bar & Eatery, a complimentary beer tasting at the Four Points Best Brews Kombi, Best Brews drink vouchers and a late checkout, starting from just $499 for two people (normally priced at $899).

StayWell Holdings announces expansion in Saudi Arabia

StayWell Holdings has announced their latest hotel into Saudi Arabia with the signing of its first property in Jeddah – the second largest city in the country after the capital city, Riyadh – under the Park Regis brand.

The newly signed Park Regis hotel is centred in the heart of the Jeddah city – a port-side modern commercial hub with a fascinating history dating back to the 7^th century, which serves as a gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities Makkah and Medina.

The move follows Staywell Holdings’ development of a Park Regis Makkah – where two hotels are currently under construction and Park Regis Riyadh scheduled to open in 2020 – cementing the brands presence in Saudi Arabia.

Amanyara’s new wellness immersions for 2020

Travellers looking to relax, rejuvenate and restore for the New Year can find serenity at Amanyara, a Caribbean oasis in the Turks & Caicos and the sixth Aman destination to offer personalized solutions for overall health and well-being.

Following the multi-day Individual Wellness Immersions at Amanpuri in Thailand, Amanbagh in India, Amanoi in Vietnam, Amanemu in Japan and Amanzoe in Greece (launching Spring 2020), Aman is pleased to debut the concept in the Caribbean in January 2020.

A sanctuary for personalized well-being, Amanyara, meaning ‘peaceful place,’ is a secluded haven embracing the untrammeled elements of Providenciales Island, set between a marine national park and a nature reserve. Surrounded by white sand beaches and crystal clear water, guests can experience planned wellness immersions or craft their own customized journey.

Groupe GM launches new Apothicals by DAMANA Line

Groupe GM is launching a new hotel line: Apothicals by DAMANA. This newest addition completes DAMANA’s offering which includes three lines at present: Earth and Sun, Neroli and the Organic Bath Line.

Apothicals by DAMANA is an Ecolabel certified and vegan amenity line. Inspired by the apothecary tradition and created with up to 98 per cent of natural origin ingredients, the Apothicals by DAMANA line evokes the traditional craftsmanship of herbalists. Its subtle fragrance of woody notes and lavender add a touch of indulgence to this natural and beautifully scented amenity range. The Apothicals line has been created with hotel guests’ comfort in mind.

The range features five 30ml products including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair & body gel and body lotion as well as soap available in 15g. The collection also includes two Ecopumps in 300ml format: hair & body gel and liquid soap. The products have been tested under dermatological control.