Arkouda Stays | Set to Launch a 20 - Room Boutique Hotel in Big Bear Lake, California, U.S.

Arkousa Stays, an American luxury wellness brand offers cozy, nature - focused retreats designed for relaxation, featuring amenities like soaking tubs and scenic views is set to launch a 20 - room boutique hotel in Big Bear Lake, a premier year - round Southern California mountain destination located in San Bernardino National Forest at over 2040 metres of altitude, approximately 160 km from Los Angeles.                                                                                                           

Big Bear Lake offers a 11.2 km - long man - make lake for boating, fishing, and kayaking, alongside premier winter skiing/snowboarding at Big Bear Mountain Resort,  extensive summer hiking and mountain biking on scenic trails, and enjoying dining at The Village.

Arkouda House will be the second property in Big Bear Lake for Arkouda Stays, following the opening of Arkouda Cabins, a nine - unit retreat launched in November 2025.

The property scheduled to open in May 2026 is a project that involves a multimillion - dollar redevelopment of a property originally opened in 1960 as the Honey Bear Lodge. After sustaining significant damage during the 1992 earthquake, the establishment was restored and has now been redeveloped by Arkouda Stays into a model alpine boutique hotel.

The hotel is located at 40994 Pennsylvania Avenue near The Village, the pedestrian - friendly downtown hub of Big Bear Lake, featuring a variety of diverse dining options, nightlife, and seasonal events, serving as a central point for shopping and entertainment, including movie theatres, puzzle rooms, and nearby alpine slides.

The hotel designed to offer a walkable, social setting for couples, groups, and small families will feature 20 comfortable rooms, a wellness centre with a sauna, hot tub, and cold plounge.

Big Bear Lake is experiencing growth as a year - round destination and is seeing increased interest in wellness and high - altitude training travel, and Arkouda Stays with its proposals highlights a trend of travellers seeking cooler mountain destinations during the summer.

Links

https://www.arkoudahouse.com/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140975.html

Nobu Hospitality LCC | Announced Plans to Develop a Hotel, Restaurant, and Branded Residences near Stanford, England, U.K

Nobu Hospitality LCC, American hospitality company based in Miami Beach, Florida, a brand focuses on modern luxury and minimalist Japanese tradition in its lifestyle properties, a group founded by renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy winner Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, has announced plans to develop a hotel, restaurant and branded residences near the historic town of Stanford in Rutland, a ceremonial county in the East Midlands of England, UK.

The new project in partnership with Woolfox a luxury lifestyle club nestled in the Rutland countryside aims to meet demand for destinations that combine hospitality, wellness, dining, and living in a rural environment.

The development will include a Nobu hotel, restaurant and a collection of branded residences on 185 acres near Stanford, a picturesque market - town renowned for its exceptionally preserved 17 th - 18 th century Georgian architecture and honey - coloured limestone buildings, often cited as one of Britain’s best places to live, featuring over 600 listed buildings, five medieval churches, a bustling high street, and the nearby Elizabethan  - era Burghley House. 

Nobu Hotel, Restaurant and Residences Woolfox is near Rutland Water, one of the largest man - made reservoirs in Europe, a location offers direct access to walking and cycling trails, as well as activities such as sailing, water sports, and fly fishing, approximately one to two hours of London, Birmingham, Cambridge, and Manchester, providing both  a countryside setting and access to commercial and cultural centres.

This project will be the first countryside concept for the company’s portfolio, reimagining the the Nobu lifestyle as a nature - led retreat, blending luxury hospitality, world - class dining, and refined living with a slower, more restorative pace.

Surrounded by unspoiled landscape, the development will feature lake views rooms and suites, a signature Nobu restaurant and bar, curated food and beverage spaces, a spa, alongside a collection of branded residences, creating a new luxury lifestyle destination in the English countryside.

The site will also include a swimming pool, gym, landscaped grounds and the project is designed to function as both a destination and a members’ club.

Link

https://www.nobuhotels.com/hotel-collection/woolfox/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141181.html

Marriott International | Officially Opened its Westin’s First All - inclusive Property in Mexico, Located in Puerto Vallarta

Westin Hotels & Resorts, a prestigious hotel chain founded in 1930 and owned by Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland, has officially opened its Westin’s first all - inclusive property in Mexico, located in Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Jalisco state, known for its beaches, water sports, nightlife scene, also highlighted by an abundance of culture, colonial architecture, street food, outdoor adventurers and captivating sunsets.

The Westin Playa Vallarta has opened its doors after a multi - million dollar transformation from the former Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta.

The property is located at Paseo de la Marina Sur 205 set on a 6 palm - lined hecrtares overlooking Banderas Bay, 1 km from Marina Vallarta, very close to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR), about 10 to 15 minutes away by car, depending on traffic.

The resort’s design was led by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos SMA, an internationally - recognized, Mexico City - based architecture firm, with interiors refreshed by Uribe Krayer, a firm also headquartered in Mexico City, renowned for its exprensive expertise in crafting high - end residential, commercial, and office projects, and Vida Design Studio, a Costa Rica and Australia - based firm specializing in nature – focused architecture,  master planning, and landscape design.  

The renovation included updates to guest rooms, the addition of new adults - only swim - up suites, enhancements to dining venues, expanded wellness spaces, and other facility upgrades.

The property features open-air spaces, natural materials, and original artwork by Berenice Hernández Castro. 

The resort now features more than 280 redesigned guest rooms, each with the Westin Heavenly Bed 2.0, a  -14 inch, luxurious innerspring mattress manufactured by Beautyrest. It features updated, cooler, and hypoallergenic materials, including ge – infused memory foam, reinforced edge support, and antibacterial silver fibers in the mattress covers. 

The new Swim - Up Junior Suite is an adults - only category with ground - level water pathways and exclusive access to Playa Dip Club, which offers culinary options, cocktails, and amenities.

The new Swim - Up Junior Suite is an adults - only category with ground - level water pathways and exclusive access to Playa Dip Club, which offers culinary options, cocktails, and amenities.

Other accommodations include Sky Pool Suites with private plunge pools and ocean views, Wholesome Family Studios with kitchenettes and flexible living areas, the bi - level Heavenly Penthouse, and the Presidential Suite, both with private terraces, plunge pools, and panoramic views of Banderas Bay.

Additional options include Ocean - view Junior Suites and Heavenly Panoramic Suites, which feature yoga mats, lavender balm, and scented candles.

The lobby includes a reflective pool, and throughout the resort there are handmade ceramics woven accents by Mexican artisans, and oak finishes.

Dining options centres on the Gourmet Gallery, an open air space with views on palm trees and ten culinary and mixology copncepts.

Venues include Agave Studio with mezcal tastings and chefs - curated pairings, Call Me Lalo Taquería, Flora Bar, Organic & Co Café, Palma for Caribbean and Latin flavours, and Sabia, a culinary venue scheduled to open in the coming months.

Amenities at the Westin Playa Vallarta include two redesigmned pools, one adults - only and one family friendly, as well as pickleball and padel courts, the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, the Heavenly Spa by Westin with hydrotherapy, aromatheraphy, and signature treatments.

The resort offers more than 11,800 square feet of indoor-outdoor event space for gatherings, celebrations, and wellness-focused retreats.

Weekly programming such as sound healing, sunrise yoga, kayaking, paddleboarding, Aqua Fit, Fitdance, meditation rituals, and coastal biking are part of the activities offered by the resort.

The property also features the RunWESTIN route along Marina Vallarta’s shoreline, and offers cultural programming includes workshops such as Wixarica and Alebrijes art sessions, Cantarito craft experiences, outdoor movie nights, and evening entertainment including Silent Beat, live Latin music, and karaoke.

Guests have access to destination experiences, including tours of La Zona Romántica, also known as Old Town or Viejo Vallarta, a vibrant, pedestrian - friendly neighbourhood in Puerto Vallarta, known for its picuresque cobblestone streets, local culture, and stunning sunset, a bustling hub for dining, nightlife, and shopping.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pvrwa-the-westin-playa-vallarta-an-all-inclusive-resort/overview/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141192.html

Panaiyur, India | A team of Scientists Discovered a 8.000 - 12.000 Year - Old Holocene Marine Fossil Site

A team of scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a a 8.000 - 12.000 year - old Holocene marine fossil site in Panaiyur, a coastal village situated in the Chennai Metropolitan area near Tharuvaikulam and adjacent Akkarai, along the East Coast Road (ECR), offering close access to a pristine beach in the Thoothukudi district within the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, a find that enriches India’s Quaternary paleontological record.

The discovery of this important fossil site is dating back to the Holocene period, the current geological epoch, spanning approximately the last 11.700 years. Beginning after the last major ice age (Pleistocene), it represents a warm, stable interglacial period that allowed human civilization to develop, settle, and dominate the planet.

This relevant discovery was announced by the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India, Bhupender Yadav, through a post on social networks, according to the official website of the Government of India.

The fossil bed is located roughly 5 - 7 kilometres inland from the current coastline, confirming significant coastal shifts. Exposed by 2023 rains, the site yielded 104 specimens, primarily marine organisms like bivalves and gastropods, indicating past sea - level changes in the region.

The Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India stressed that the finding significantly enrich the country’s Quaternary fossil record and will allow a better understanding of India’s fauna, environment and climate in ancient times.

The official explained that the fossil sites exposed after the heavy rains that occurred in 2023. He further noted that, at the request of the Thoothkudi administration, the Zoological Survey of India conducted a field survey to study the area and document the findings.

This finding represents a key advance for paleontological research in India and opens up new opportunities to study the evolution of the environment and biodiversity of the subcontinent in the Holcene.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/india-descubre-un-yacimiento-f-sil-del-holoceno-que-ampl-a-su-registro-paleontol-gico/

São Paulo, Brazil | Launched a Pilot Conservation Project to Save the Araucaria Tree from Extinction

The government of São Paulo has launched a pilot conservation project to save the Araucaria tree from excitons, working to restore the presence of the “Aracucaria angustifolia”, commonly known as the Paraná pine, or Brazilian monkey - puzzle or also Brazilian pine, a critically endangered, large evergreen conifer native to South America.

 The initiative, called the Araucarias Payment for Environmental Services Program (PSA Araucária) was announced in Cunha, a charming mountainous town in  São Paulo located within the Paraíba Valley region, known for its stunning Serra do Mar views, vibrant Atlantic Forest, and a status as a top national ceramics hub.

 The municipality of Cunha was chosen for the pilot project because it concentrates more than 95% of the pine nut harvest in the state. Between 2023 and 2025, local producers harvested more than 1.100 tons of the seed, and by 2026 it is expected to exceed 368 tons.

According to Brasil 247, a prominent news website headquartered in São Paulo, the initiative seeks to combine environmental conservation with income generation through the pine nut (araucaria seed) production chain.

 The government of São Paulo has launched a call that provides for the payment of up to 36.000 reais (approximately $7.200) for rural producers and up to 250.000 reais (about $50.000) for organizations interested in preserving the araucaria, a species threatened with extinction that could lose its habitat until 2070.

 The  “Aracucaria angustifolia”is a tree characterized by a straight, cylindrical trunk reaching 25 - 30 metres, a distinct chalice or flat - topped canopy, and stiff, sharp - pointed triangular leaves that persist for years.

Rated as Critically Endangered due to extensive logging and habitat reduction, with forests reduced to less than 3% of their original coverage, the Aracucaria angustifolia is found primarily in southern Brazil, with smaller populations in Argentina and Paraguay, often in mixed subtropical forests between 500 and 2300 m elevation.

The program apart the conservation of the Araucaria tree also financially supports actions such as preservation ofd existing trees, planting seedings, recovery of permanent preservation areas, and planting of orchards. Currently  São Paulo has 61 payment programs for environmental services, benefiting about 1.400 families.

The Secretary of Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics of the State of São Paulo (SEMIL) Natália Resende, stressed that the edict reinforces the commitment of the government of São Paulo to innovative conservation solutions that integrate environmental protection, sustainable development and generation of market value and income in the territory.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/s-o-paulo-lanza-proyecto-piloto-de-conservaci-n-para-salvar-el-rbol-araucaria-de-la-extinci-n/

Dubai, UAE | To Introduce 735 New Electric Buses this Year to Boost Sustainable Public Transport

Dubai, a city and emirate in the UAE, located on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf in the Arabian Peninsula, through Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) will introduce 735 new electric buses this year, marking the largest electric bus deployment in the United Arab Emirates to boost sustainable public transport, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The delivery of the vehicles will be made gradually throughout 2026 and this initiative is part of the plan that aims to accelerate the goal of achieving zero - emissions public transport system by 2050.

Currently, 40 electric buses are already operating in Dubai that have shown a 95% satisfaction rate among passengers and drivers, with significant reductions in carbon emissions, and this large incorporation of electric buses aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to enhance environmental performance and reduce carbon emissions.

This comprehensive programme aims at the transition to green public transport, which includes electric buses and hydrogen - powered vehicles.

To support this new fleet, the infrastructure is also being expanded rapidly. So far, 32 charging units with 360 kW capacity have been installed, established across five major depots, and ensuring the system is ready for future expansion.

The efficiency of electric buses is evaluated using various technical and operational indicators, including range, charging time, charging frequency, noise and emissions generated.

On these buses, one is already operates on the important route F13, a circular feeder bus route that connects the Dubai Mall Metro Station (Landside) with key locations in Downtown Dubai, including the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Al Quoz, a vibrant, mixed use district in Dubai, an industrial hub and a premier cultural and creative centre located between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.

The new vehicles can travel up to 370 kilometres on a single charge and they have a 470 kWh battery. In addition, special attention is paid of air conditioning systems and the level of comfort, essential factors for their operation in urban environments.  

A report highlights that last year in Dubai greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 12% compared to 2024 and by 44% compared to 2022. Likewise, the use of electric buses made it possible to avoid the emissions of more than 59.000 tons of carbon dioxide.

Dubai’s authorities plan to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 and, in the long term, complete the transition to a fully emission - free public transport system.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/en-dub-i-se-incorporar-n-otros-735-autobuses-el-ctricos-durante-el-pr-ximo-a-o-para-impulsar-el-tran/

Madrid, Spain | Overtaken Barcelona in Hotel Profitability, Driven by a Surge in High - End Luxury Tourism

Madrid, Spain’ s capital and largest city has overtaken Barcelona, major city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and second largest centre in the country in hotel profitability, driven by a surge in high – end luxury and hotel occupancy, and is approaching its price levels according to the latest barometer data by Cushman & Wakefield, American global commercial real estate services firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

The data for the first quarter show a change in trend in the market, with Madrid leading the main indicators of the sector reflecting luxury tourism recovering at a dizzying pace in the Spanish capital.

As reported by Cinco Días, a business and finance newspaper published in Madrid, in terms of prices per room, Barcelona maintains slighty higher figures, although the distance is reduced. In 2025, it reached €166.94 compared to €158.83 in Madrid, while this year the difference continues to narrow, with €166.6 and €161.4, respectively.

However, revenue per available room (RevPAR) is already higher in Madrid, reaching €119.74, and very slightly above the €119.48 in Barcelona. The evolution reflects sustained growth since 2022, when both cities started from similar levels, with the Spanish capital at €56.77 and Barcelona at €53.76.

In terms of employment, Madrid has also recorded better results in recent years. In 2026 hotel in the major city of Spain reached 74.2% occupancy, compared to 71.7% in Barcelona, a difference that has been consolidated since 2023, when Madrid already exceeded 68% while Barcelona was slightly below.

The increase in these indicators coincides with the expansion of the high - end hotel offer in Madrid. International Hotel chains such as Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Marriott International, Meliá Hotels International and Minor Hotels have strengthen their presence in Madrid, with an increase in the number of five - star establishments and growth forecast until 2027.

For its part, Barcelona has limited the opening of new hotels in the centre due to the moratorium in force since 2015, which conditions the evolution of its offer. This factor together with the uneven recovery in international demand, explains the convergence of results between the two cities.

Link 

https://www.preferente.com/noticias-de-hoteles/madrid-desbanca-a-barcelona-en-rentabilidad-hotelera-por-el-auge-del-lujo-349539.html