Six Senses to Open Five Properties in Bhutan; More Abroad

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Properties have opened or are in the works from Asia to South America, each with distinct nods to local nature and culture. Here’s a look:

Six Senses Bhutan to Open Five Properties 

Six Senses Bhutan is a collection of five boutique lodges set in the western and central valleys of Bhutan.

The lodges include Six Senses Thimphu, in the capital and the largest; Six Senses Punakha, located in the valley of Punakha; Six Senses Gangtey in central Bhutan in the glacial valley of PhobjikhaSix Senses Bumthang, which is further east but still in the central area; And the fifth resort in the collection is Six Senses Paro, located at a elevation overlooking the Paro Valley and next to ancient dzong stone ruins.

The Thimphu, Paro and Punakha resorts will open in October of this year and The Gangtey and Bumthang resorts open in early 2019. Each location will have its own spa and wellness center with a meditation room and outdoor pool.

Melia Hotels to Open in Dominican Republic 

Melia Hotels International to open The Grand Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real this December in the Dominican Republic. With 288 suite-style accommodations, including swim-up suites, The Grand Reserve will also have seven restaurants and bars, a full-service spa by Natura Bissé, beach club with access to Bavaro Beach, family friendly kids club and aqua adventure park as well as a wellness facility with gym equipment.

Guests of The Grand Reserve will also have access to all of the amenities and services of Paradisus Palma Real. Co-existing with hotel guests will be an additional 144 suites for members of Circle by Melia, creating a total of 432 suites in the entire building.

Hyatt Enters Agreement, Plans for Hotel in Kazakhstan

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered a management agreement between JSC Kazakh-Austrian Joint Venture and a Hyatt affiliate for the development of Hyatt Regency Almaty, Rahat Palace. Slated to open in 2019, the 292-room hotel will be managed as Hyatt Regency Almaty, Rahat Palace. The former Hyatt Regency Almaty operated in the same building between 1995-2011.

The property is on Satpaev Ave. in Kazakhstan’s commercial and financial capital. The building will undergo renovations that will have configured guestrooms, new culinary experiences, a multi-functional lobby and meeting and event space with a 2,368-sq.-ft. ballroom. The hotel will also have the signature Hyatt StayFit gym and an indoor swimming pool.

Jo & Joe Brand to Come to Brazil
At the foot of Corcovado mountain and the Cristo Redentor, the architectural complex of “Largo do Botícario” in the Cosme Velho neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, this will be the first Joe & Joe to open outside of Europe and in South America, scheduled to open in 2020.
“AccorHotels has been investing in Brazil for 40 years, and the purchase of this architectural landmark only strengthens our commitment to the country’s growth. We are betting on this location and will transform it into an incredible place to attract tourists and locals starting in 2020, when it should open,” said Patrick Mendes, CEO of AccorHotels South America.
The property has a total of 350 beds, including 70 rooms and apartments that will be able to accommodate up to 10 people, as well as private homes and penthouses. The complex will also have restaurants, social areas, pools, a barbecue and a co-working space.

Hilton Expands Presence in Mexico with Second Dual-Brand Property

Hilton opens the dual-branded Hampton by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca and Homewood Suites by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca. This opening is Hilton’s second dual-brand hotel in Mexico.

Developed and owned by Inversión y Desarrollo de hotels en Mexico, the 96-room Hampton by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca and the 69-room Homewood Suites by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca have its own lobby and dining area, a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool and basketball court. The hotels also have flexible meeting space accommodating up to 100 guests. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton offers a combination of studio and one-bedroom accommodations, with fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas.