INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Hotel brand collections are expanding their reach and making debuts around the world, including the Seychelles, Latin America, the U.K. and beyond. Here’s a look:
The Luxury Collection Debuts in the Seychelles
The Luxury Collection revealed the arrival of North Island, Seychelles, into its portfolio of hotels and resorts. With just 11 villas, Africa’s most exclusive private island is a short distance to the mainland and is accessible by a scenic helicopter flight or an hour boat ride.
Following its history as a coconut plantation, the island is now a sanctuary for endangered species; beaches and blue seas welcome nesting sea turtles, and the Palm forests are home to giant Aldabra tortoises and rare Seychelles white-eye birds. With pioneering conservation programs, the island offers the highest standards of hospitality, earning the status as an award-winning sustainable travel destination, according to the company. With a mission to demonstrate that luxury with a conscience can coexist, sustainability lies at the heart of North Island’s philosophy and will be further embraced and supported with The Luxury Collection.
Tapestry Collection by Hilton Debuts in Latin America
Tapestry Collection by Hilton opened the MM Grand Hotel Puebla, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, representing the brand’s first property in Latin America and the Caribbean. Owned by Operadora TIM and managed by Magusa Turistica, the 93-room property has a lush garden and terrace as well as an on-site authentic Mexican restaurant and bar.
Nestled in a naturally wooded area, the hacienda-style hotel has colonial architecture with decorative elements typical of Mexican tradition such as talavera ceramic tiling and pale pink hues. Offering a natural backdrop in a city-center location, the hotel is the area’s only property in its category to welcome pets. Guestrooms feature signature pillows and bedding, 42-in. HDTVs and workstations. For meetings and events, the boutique property offers three meeting spaces of more than 4,000 sq. ft., including a 350-person auditorium.
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Marks U.K. Debut
Hyatt Hotels Corporation opened the 152-room Great Scotland Yard hotel as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. On the site of the former headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, the luxury hotel and adjacent five-story townhouse is the first by The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in the U.K. and the sixth to open in Europe.
The opening follows a major restoration and full-scale renovation that breathed new life into one of London’s famous landmarks as it opens to the public for the first time in nearly 200 years.
As part of a collection of unique hotels each with their own distinct story, Great Scotland Yard is a property steeped in history that asks guests to expect the unexpected. Once the historical home of law and order in the City of Westminster, the hotel has also served as inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has been a dwelling for Kings of Scotland, and is the site where Lord Kitchener famously told World War I recruits ‘Your Country Needs You.’ Every aspect of the hotel pays homage to this extraordinary past.
Riverside Retreat, Yellowstone National Park Getaway Join Ascend
The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River and The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone are among the newest additions to the growing Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels International Inc., a global portfolio of independent resort, historic and boutique hotels.
Located at 920 Spokane Ave., the 76-room Pine Lodge on Whitefish River is within walking distance to many restaurants and boutiques in downtown Whitefish, MT, and a short drive to the snow-covered vistas of Glacier National Park. Among the amenities include a hot chocolate bar (or an ice cream sundae bar during the summer); an outdoor firepit; a game room featuring a pool table and shuffleboard; an indoor/outdoor pool with a swim channel connecting the two; and a hot tub. There’s also complimentary outdoor equipment such as bikes and kayaks, and guests can rent snowshoes and purchase ski lift tickets from the hotel.
The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone is one mile from Yellowstone National Park at 905 Scott St. West in Gardiner, MT. The 86-room boutique hotel offers views of the Yellowstone River and surrounding mountain ranges; a heated indoor pool, hot tub and two saunas; a drink at The Rusty Rail, the hotel’s bar and lounge; or classic American fare at the on-site Yellowstone Mine restaurant.
Curio Collection by Hilton Debuts in Saint Kitts
Hilton opened KOI Resort Saint Kitts, Curio Collection by Hilton, representing the brand’s debut in St. Kitts and Nevis, which will also be KOI Hospitality’s first entry into the hotel space. The 102-room oceanfront property is the latest addition to Curio Collection by Hilton, reinforcing the growth of its portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts in premier destinations across the Caribbean and Latin America.
Meaning love in Japanese, the KOI name was the inspiration behind the love and care that was put into the property, including the resort’s meticulously appointed guestrooms, fresh cuisine and poolside programming. Situated along Half Moon Bay and adjacent to the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, KOI Resort Saint Kitts will launch a new lifestyle, vibe and frame of mind for those visiting the destination by offering Asian-inspired design, locally inspired programming and globally celebrated cuisine by KOI Hospitality, according to the company.
