Hotels | Spain | April 12, 2021 | Erica Bush After the pandemic forced many hotel groups to postpone new openings and products, Aspire highlights some of this year s hottest launches
From a sumptuous spa hotel in the middle of Israel’s Negev desert to a Mexican eco-lodge hidden in the jungle, 2021 looks set to be a bumper year for hotel openings. Aspire takes a continent-by-continent look at some of the most exciting luxury launches.
Africa
Opening: Quarter three
A gleaming oasis in the heritage-steeped district of Hivernage, Nobu Hotels’ first property in Africa lies moments from the bustling souks of Marrakech and its main square, Djemaa el Fna. Transformed to embody Nobu’s signature contemporary style, the 71-room hotel will boast dining venues, rooftop spaces and an indulgent spa. The brand also plans to open Nobu Hotel Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and Nobu Atlanta, Georgia this year.
Bellyard, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, in West Midtown has appointed culinary visionary Christina Wai as the executive chef for Drawbar, the hotel s ultramodern dining and drinking destination.
As an inventive chef who thrives on exploration of new dishes and libation pairings, Wai brings a wealth of experience in executive and sous chef positions to the hospitality hotspot. At Bellyard, she will spearhead the culinary program, execute menu creation, drive culinary outlet operations, build strong relationships with purveyors and foster a positive culture within her team.
Previously, she drove the culinary program at various noteworthy hotels and restaurants in Atlanta, including Crown Plaza Hotel Midtown, Meliá Hotels International, Takorea and Gordon Biersch Brewery.
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The managers of Aethos Corsica weren’t sure what to expect when debuting their nine-suite boutique hotel this month. Pandemic restrictions in many countries had quelled immediate international travel. But the owners needn’t have wondered.
“We’ve been experiencing a tremendous increase in bookings recently especially for our larger suites,” said Ariane Chapot, the general manager of the refurbished 17th-century
palazzu on the French island.
The good days appear to be coming for many travel brands that woo high-income leisure travelers. In the U.S., for example, Google search interest in the phrase “luxury hotels” is at its highest since before 2006. Signs are surely pointing to luxury travel being one of the quickest slices of the travel sector to rebound from the pandemic.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Offers Rich Culinary Landscape of Global Flavors
April 28, 2021
The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands opens on 1 June 2021 with seven incredible restaurants and two bars for guests to explore, including options at Fari Marina Village. Diners can enjoy a rich culinary landscape and travel the world on their palates, whilst feeling confident that every effort has been taken to ensure a focus on the highest-quality, seasonal ingredients and with the environment front of mind. Experience the joy of a robust Italian espresso, share conversation over Cantonese tapas, toast to the sunset with a chilled glass of rosé or enjoy a local version of traditional Afternoon Tea. Here is a taste of the global flavours that awaits guests:
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is proud to present Nishantha Parana Vithanaga as the Executive Chef of the 100-villa resort, poised to open on June 1, 2021. With over 30 years of experience in luxury brands such as the One & Only, Jumeirah and Hilton Group in the Middle East and Asia, the Sri-Lankan-born Chef brings an exclusive culinary experience at the seven restaurants of the resort.
Nishantha s culinary passion began at a very young age when he started helping his mother with her banqueting business as an after-school hobby. He started his hospitality career as a trainee at the age of 19, taking new heights as he progressed globally in Hilton Colombo, Jumeirah Vittaveli - the Maldives, One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives. Over the years, trained under celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs, experimenting cuisines and managing multi-cultural teams, Nishantha s culinary style balances on three principles: clean, simple and palatable. His philosophy is reflected at The Ritz-Carl