Development + Destinations News | Hospitality Design

Fahid Island Brings Wellness-Focused Living to Abu Dhabi

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:13:57 +0000

Development company Aldar has revealed the masterplan for Fahid Island, a new luxury destination in Abu Dhabi that blends wellness, culture, and coastal living.

Positioned between the entertainment hub of Yas Island and the cultural district of Saadiyat Island, the mixed-use development will offer 2.8 miles of unspoiled beachfront on one side and tranquil mangrove forests on the other.

Residences at Fahid Island

Aldar has enlisted a roster of global design talent—including Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Koichi Takada, London-based ACME, and Dubai-based NAGA Architects—to craft the island’s residential components. More than 6,000 units are planned, from apartments and townhouses to ultra-luxury villas.

The first release, Fahid Beach Residences, will introduce seven mid-rise buildings (housing 65 units each) defined by architecture that emphasizes privacy and refined beachfront living.

A design that centers wellness

Conceived as a sanctuary for wellbeing, more than 30 percent of the island will be dedicated to natural spaces, including green trails, lush gardens, and Berm Park, which will double as a wellness corridor. The landscaped park will feature shaded rest areas, water stations, fitness zones, and three cycling routes that link to Abu Dhabi’s larger cycle loop.

The island’s vibrant social hub will be its waterfront promenade, home to an eclectic mix of art, dining, and retail experiences. A boutique shopping street, Coral Drive, will include concept stores, galleries, cafés, and a ballet school, alongside curated street furniture and public art.

Aldar is also partnering with a leading global institution to introduce a school on Fahid Island.

Sustainability on Fahid Island

Fahid Island is the world’s first Fitwel-certified island and has received LEED Cities and Communities Platinum pre-certification, with a target for Estidama 3-Pearl rating.

Pedestrian-first design is central to the masterplan, with shaded walkways, bridges connecting the island’s two sides, and a mobility strategy aimed at reducing reliance on vehicles.

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Ellore Santa Clara Reimagines Senior Living in Silicon Valley

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:02:55 +0000

Ellore Santa Clara, a new senior living development in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a hospitality-driven take on aging in place.

Designed by interior design studio MAWD, the project pairs a sophisticated material palette with thoughtful amenities and programming that reflect the region’s creative energy.

“Ellore is more than a space to live, it’s a reflection of the people who made Silicon Valley what it is today,” says Elliot March, cofounder of MAWD. “Our studio set out to craft an environment that is both sophisticated and comfortable, one that reflects the spirit of innovation while honoring the region’s natural beauty and the importance of community.”

Elevated senior living at Ellore Santa Clara

Positioned as a modern alternative to traditional senior living, the design mirrors the experience of a high-end hotel. Interiors balance elegance and comfort, integrating rich woods, sculptural stones, and refined finishes across public and private areas. A predominantly neutral palette is energized with strategic pops of color, while a black marble reception desk and oversized fireplace create a dramatic yet welcoming impression in the lobby.

Indoor-outdoor connectivity anchors the experience. Sliding glass doors connect wellness areas, such as the yoga and Pilates studio, with the pool deck to promote year-round engagement with nature.

Multiple social spaces support interaction and community. A piano lounge and bar, cinema, and activity studio are designed to host a wide range of resident programming, while private dining rooms and cozy lounges offer additional options for family visits and informal gatherings.

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Hyatt Launches New Hotel Brand Amid Global Growth

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:41:43 +0000

As of the end of Q1 2025, Hyatt reported a 10.5 percent year-over-year increase in net rooms, fueled by continued growth across its Essentials, Lifestyle, and Luxury brand portfolios.

The launch of Unscripted by Hyatt

Unscripted by Hyatt marks the company’s latest brand addition and joins the growing Essentials portfolio. Targeted at travelers who prioritize ease, spontaneity, and value, Unscripted by Hyatt embraces a flexible, collection-style approach.

Positioned in the upscale segment, the conversion-friendly brand is designed to attract independent hotel owners and small portfolios.

More than 40 hotels are already in active discussions to join the brand, drawn by its light operational footprint, adaptable standards, and access to Hyatt’s global network.

“The Unscripted by Hyatt brand gives owners a flexible path to join the Hyatt system while still delivering the high-quality, dependable experience guests expect from Hyatt,” says Dan Hansen, head of Americas development, Hyatt.

Lifestyle portfolio sees 11 percent growth in room count

The lobby at Thompson Miami Beach, shown in a rendering

Hyatt’s Lifestyle portfolio grew its room count by more than 11 percent from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025, with more than 30 properties and 3,500 rooms added globally, including the acquisition of Standard International’s brands: the Standard, the StandardX, and Bunkhouse Hotels.

The Lifestyle Group—led by Amar Lalvani, president and creative director—has a number of openings slated through 2026, including:

Thompson Miami Beach (Q3 2025), a 147-key property near Lincoln Road with interiors by Gulla Jónsdóttir
Thompson Shanghai Expo (November 2025), the brand’s Asia Pacific debut, merging industrial influence with contemporary design
Andaz Lisbon (Q4 2025), spanning five heritage buildings in the Baixa district
Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay (early 2026), the brand’s Caribbean debut with three restaurants, a spa, and kids’ club
Andaz Gold Coast, the first Andaz in Australia, part of a major Broadbeach Island development
The Standard, Lisbon, opening in the Santa Clara Palace with 32 branded residences
Thompson Seville, bringing 101 rooms and creative energy to Spain’s fourth-largest city
Andaz Shanghai ITC, a culture-forward destination in Central Shanghai
The Standard, Mexico City, set in the arts-centric Tabacalera neighborhood ahead of a major global sporting event

Luxury portfolio grows, driven by branded residence momentum

A rendering of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Hyatt’s Luxury portfolio continues to scale with a 5 percent year-over-year increase in rooms. Notable upcoming openings include:

Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo del Sol (Summer 2025), introducing the brand to Mexico with 163 rooms and a 59,000-square-foot wellness complex
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (August 2025), occupying the top floors of the Merdeka 118 tower
Alila Mayakoba, debuting the Alila brand in Latin America and the Caribbean
Park Hyatt Johannesburg (Q3 2025), a 31-room retreat in Rosebank’s cultural district
Miraval The Red Sea (Q4 2025), the brand’s first international outpost on Shura Island
The Barai – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt (July 2026), a wellness-forward destination in Hua Hin, Thailand
Park Hyatt Mexico City Hotel & Residences, opening on Campos Elíseos overlooking Chapultepec Park
Park Hyatt Cancun, blending beachfront access with immersive design and culinary experiences

Hyatt’s branded residences pipeline now includes more than 50 projects globally, spanning Park Hyatt, Thompson Hotels, Andaz, the Standard, and Miraval. Newly opened and planned properties include the Standard Residences in Lisbon, future openings in Miami and Asia, and five Thompson-branded residential developments in key Mexican markets like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City.

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IHG Expands Across Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 29 May 2025 13:00:54 +0000

IHG Hotels & Resorts continues to deepen its presence across Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean (MLAC), with nearly 400 open and pipeline properties spanning every segment—from coastal escapes and urban hubs to branded residences and design-forward hotels.

A growing pipeline

IHG plans to add 32 new hotels across its six luxury and lifestyle brands in the coming years, following notable 2024 openings including Six Senses La Sagesse in Grenada, Kimpton Mas Olas Resort and Spa in Baja California, and Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman. A growing number of properties will incorporate branded residences, including a forthcoming Kimpton hotel and residence in Tulum.

In Mexico’s economic center of Monterrey, the Kimpton brand is poised to debut in 2026. Slated for Torre Rise—the tallest tower in Latin America upon completion—Kimpton Monterrey will deliver a boutique hotel and residential experience with sweeping views, a full-service restaurant, and a 16th-floor lobby lounge.

IHG’s midscale portfolio continues to gain traction as well. The Holiday Inn brand family, for instance, boasts more than 200 open and pipeline properties in the region, which the avid hotels brand is set to double its footprint in Mexico, including a new dual-brand development with Candlewood Suites in Torreon. Atwell Suites, IHG’s newest extended stay concept, will make its regional debut in Costa Rica as part of a dual-brand pairing with Holiday Inn.

SOUMA Hotel Lima, Vignette Collection

Recent IHG openings

voco Hermosillo: Reopened in late 2024 following an extensive conversion, the 138-room hotel embraces the brand’s inviting personality and refreshed aesthetic.
InterContinental Presidente Monterrey: Opened January 2025, the 300-room property in San Pedro Garza Garcia features panoramic views of the Sierra Madre de Chipinque mountains.
SOUMA Hotel Lima, Vignette Collection: Debuted in March 2025 as the brand’s first South American property, the hotel channels the serenity of Peru’s Pacaya Samiria Nature Reserve through minimalist interiors, a rooftop infinity pool, and three dining venues.
avid hotel Queretaro Centro Sur: Also opened in March, this is the avid brand’s fifth hotel in Mexico and first in the state of Queretaro.

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Hospitality Insiders Delve Into the Creative Pulse of Las Vegas

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 13 May 2025 21:12:05 +0000

Las Vegas is no stranger to reinvention. At this year’s HD Expo + Conference, an expert panel featuring Michael Wood of Wynn Design & Development, Matt Erickson of MGM Resorts International, Lin Jerome of Refined Restaurant Group, and Elizabeth Blau of Blau + Associates spotlighted what’s driving the city’s ever-evolving hospitality scene.

The consensus: today’s travelers are coming for much more than gaming.

Creativity in full force

Las Vegas remains one of the world’s most experimental and inspiring hospitality hubs.

“The city is just a place of such unbridled creative talent,” says Blau, citing everything from the iconic Bellagio fountains and Cirque de Soleil to newcomers like the Sphere and Allegiant Stadium. “It makes us all want to be better, whether we’re doing a bar or a restaurant or hotel rooms—the bar is set so high here,” she adds.

A new focus on health

Wellness-driven experiences are gaining momentum citywide.

For example, Jerome says, “We are now frying everything that we have across all of our brands in avocado oil—people are healthier and want to do fun things.” At her Café Lola properties, daytime events include DJ-fueled coffee parties aimed at Gen Z. “You can have a matcha party during the day with your friends, come together, listen to this great music, have fun, and go home at four o’clock and still feel good.”

Erikson echoes this shift: “The challenge that we’re solving for right now is that the younger generation doesn’t drink as much,” he says. “So how do you monetize what they like to do? How do you give them an experience that’s conducive to what they would enjoy without the alcohol?” He notes heightened interest in clubstaurants, where F&B combines with music, ambient lighting, high design, and immersive experiences.

The social media effect

Social media continues to drive design decisions and guest expectations. “Social media has really been our bread and butter to date,” Jerome shares. Erikson agrees: “Traditional marketing will not get you there. You can have an incredible product, but if you don’t have social media and you don’t have the influencer aspect, you’ll have trouble.”

Wood emphasized that shareability is baked into the design process. “It’s about being photogenic—the lighting that everyone will look their best,” he notes. “The new normal is to designing for how a space is shared. People come to places now because they want an experience, an escape—and interior design is a part of that.”

Budgeting, big and small

From billion-dollar renovations to DIY ingenuity, budgets run the gamut in Las Vegas. In every situation, though, it’s about impact. “We try to put money in areas where the guest will see, feel, and sense that there’s real money spent,” says Wood, referencing the $450 million revamp of the Wynn’s Encore towers. “In the past, we would’ve ripped it out. But in this instance, it has some years left in it, so we decided to restore it.”

Jerome, operating on a much leaner model, completed two full restaurant buildouts for just $110,000. “I went down to the stone yard… there was this huge heap of stone scraps,” she shares. “I looked at it and said, ‘This is so beautiful. I need this. I got $450, will you take it?’ He goes, ‘Send somebody to pick it up tomorrow.’” The result? “It’s the most beautiful wall and it cost me $450,” she says. “I was born scrappy. I’ll always be scrappy. It can 100 percent be done.”

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Waldorf Astoria Residences to Join the St. Petersburg Skyline

Stephanie Chen — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:00:10 +0000

Waldorf Astoria Residences is making its debut in St. Petersburg. Rising 50 stories, the landmark project will become the Florida city’s tallest building and its first luxury hotel-branded residential offering.

The tower will feature 163 residences designed by architecture firm CUBE 3 with interiors by BAMO, which pays homage to the local art scene, most notably the iconic Dali Museum.

Each residence, ranging from 2,031 to 3,408 square feet, will be fully finished and boast expansive terraces that maximize natural light and panoramic bay and city views. High-touch materials—including custom Italian vanities topped with stone, bespoke closets, contemporary lighting, and premium kitchens—will create a sense of understated sophistication.

Crowning the building is a two-story, 10,000-square-foot penthouse complete with a private pool overlooking the bay.

Amenities at Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Petersburg

Residents will have access to more than 43,000 square feet of amenities. The 18th-floor wellness center will include private massage rooms, steam and sauna facilities, and a modern fitness studio.

Additional amenities span a kids and teens club, signature restaurant, pet spa, 73,000 square feet of office space, and 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.

At the heart of the offerings will be the Peacock Alley-inspired Sky Lounge, which will feature a signature Sunset Bar, pool deck, and curated lounge spaces on the 46th floor.

Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Petersburg is slated for completion in 2030.

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Northern California Ethos Shapes the Clara’s Interiors

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:00:43 +0000

Luxury awaits at the Clara, a new apartment complex in the heart of Silicon Valley with architecture courtesy of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, interiors by AvroKO, and landscape design from Surfacedesign.

Rising 22 stories above Santa Clara, the residential tower comprises 508 units—spanning studios, multi-bedroom apartments, townhomes, and penthouses—with panoramic views that stretch from the Santa Cruz Mountains to San Francisco Bay.

Stepping in to the design

The Clara’s architecture and interiors reflect a relaxed yet sophisticated ethos that is distinctive of Northern California. Natural materials and framed vistas are central to the project, with each space designed to evoke a connection to the region’s landscape.

The fusion of stone, brass, and wood illustrate this philosophy in the lobby, which extends to a serene reception anchored by lush greenery and a seamless limestone transition from exterior to interior. A niche seating area with warm uplighting and textural fabrics further enhances the welcoming ambiance.

Redwood Den

Amenities at the Clara

Amenity spaces layer tactile elements with purposeful color stories.

The fireside lounge, for instance, envelops visitors in deep greens, earth tones, and dark woods, while the adjacent coworking areas balance productivity with comfort via leather furnishings, warm brass accents, and rust-toned rugs that echo the hues of local salt ponds. Overhead, custom chandeliers comprise an array of cubic prisms, mirroring the structures of salt crystals.

A garden lounge continues this dialogue by blending wood, stone, and brass elements with natural light and private patio views that evoke a retreat-like feel.

Meanwhile, the kids’ playroom brings the outdoors in, employing forest-green felt, whimsical wallpaper, and sculptural nooks.

Parkside Lounge

On the Clara’s higher floors, the fitness center is finished in bold tiles reminiscent of Sea Ranch graphics, while the sun-splashed pool deck showcases saturated furnishings and artful green tilework, and the spa features a calming tea bar framed in pink zellige and natural wood.

The Members’ Club, situated atop the tower, reflects the full evolution of the Clara’s material palette, shifting to airy oak, brass, and cielo quartzite. Here, rounded forms, layered textures, and bespoke light fixtures unify the interiors.

On the same floor, a dramatic karaoke lounge is a playful departure from the rest of the building, thanks to jewel tones, gold wallpaper, and vintage flourishes that unfold beneath glowing marquee lights on the ceiling.

Members’ Club

“The design of the Clara, influenced heavily by the culture of Silicon Valley, provides elevated, aspirational spaces that deliver a high level of sophistication while also being approachable and, at their core, very comfortable and inviting,” says Andrew Lieberman, design director and principal at AvroKO’s San Francisco studio. “Silicon Valley is at the forefront of global technology and scientific developments, yet it has a scrappy, laid-back attitude, and the design of the Clara respects this dichotomy.”

“At the same time, many residents and guests of Silicon Valley are transplants, globetrotters, and transient by nature,” he continues. “The immersive design intentionally roots them in this specific slice of California by using local wood, tile, stone, and a strong, saturated color palette influenced by the evaporating salt ponds to the east and the condensing fog to the west, both of which converge at this specific site.”

Parkside Lounge

A residence kitchen and dining room

Treehouse playroom

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Radisson Hotel Group Surpasses 200-Hotel Milestone in India

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:00:35 +0000

With the signing of five new properties, Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has surpassed 200 hotels in India, bringing the company’s current total portfolio to 128 operational hotels (14,209 keys) with 77 in the pipeline (8,619 keys).

The latest signings include Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Pawna Lake; Radisson Blu Hotel, Lucknow CBD; and Radisson Hotel Rajkot.

Two strategic conversions—St. Marks Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals in Bangalore CBD, and Temple Tree Hotel Shirdi, a member of Radisson Individuals in Shirdi—also join the expanding portfolio.

Over the past three years, RHG has entered 45 new Indian markets—expanding beyond its metro strongholds and deepening its presence across key domestic destinations.

Radisson Collection Resort & Spa, Jaipur

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Pawna Lake

Radisson Resort Khopoli

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Red Sea Global Reveals Concept for Laheq Island in Saudi Arabia

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:00:02 +0000

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the Red Sea and AMAALA megaprojects in Saudi Arabia, has unveiled plans for Laheq Island, a 988-acre resort community conceived by Foster + Partners.

Garden-inspired design by Foster + Partners

Anchoring the development is the Ring—a sculptural structure encircling the island’s lagoon—which will be home to luxury residences, boutique hotels, and high-end retail. Norman Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners, describes the project as “a serene garden that engages all the senses and offers panoramic views of the magnificent surroundings.”

Drawing inspiration from the land, sea, and sky, the private residences at Laheq will feature natural timbers, shaded pergolas, and lush garden courtyards that blend seamlessly into the landscape.

Laheq will also house two resort hotels, a 115-berth marina, watersports schools, a lively souq, golf course, wellness center, and elevated dining destinations—underscoring a holistic hospitality experience.

Sustainability at Laheq

The design goes beyond aesthetics, too. The development is committed to running entirely on renewable energy, restoring local ecosystems, and enhancing biodiversity. This will include planting and rehabilitating 50 million mangroves and implementing coral protection measures.

Laheq is expected to open in 2028.

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Barclays Center Moves Ahead With $100 Million Expansion

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:15:48 +0000

Shawmut Design and Construction, BSE Global, and architecture firm Populous have teamed up for the second phase of enhancements at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Elevated hospitality experiences set to debut at the arena ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season.

Key projects include Gallagher Terrace, a new premium club, and the Bridge, an upper-concourse fan zone.

The Gallagher Terrace lounge

Gallagher Terrace will replace the arena’s Loge Boxes and portions of the 40/40 Club with an exclusive 5,300-square-foot lounge channeling the spirit of Brooklyn’s Gilded Age.

Designed for just 110 members, the space will feature plush banquette seating accented by dynamic LED lighting visible from the bowl. It’s the only club in the venue to offer in-seat dining with waiter service, alongside a dedicated VIP entrance and private bar.

The Bridge, a new fan zone

Meanwhile, the west end of the upper concourse will be transformed into the Bridge, a 6,800-square-foot, two-level destination open to all guests.

Drawing inspiration from the iconic bridges that connect Brooklyn to the rest of New York, the Bridge will feature an elevated platform for in-game performances, a 63-foot-long bar—the largest in the arena—and panoramic views of the Downtown Brooklyn skyline through newly installed windows. Two retail concepts will also be added to the space.

Additional updates at Barclays Center

Other updates include upgrades to the Garden Bar, located on the main concourse, and redesigned backstage dressing rooms created in partnership with the Brooklyn Home Company.

Construction will begin at the end of the 2024–25 Brooklyn Nets season and wrap ahead of the 2025–26 season. The work will not impact the New York Liberty’s schedule or the Barclays Center’s summer concert lineup.

The project follows the debut of the Toki Row membership club and JetBlue at the Key, part of phase one of the venue’s long-term enhancement plan.

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