Hilton | Signed an Agreement to Open a Beachfront Resort as Part of the Curio by Hilton Collection in Las Terrenas, the Dominican Republic

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., has signed an agreement to open a beachfront resort as part of the Curio Collection by Hilton in Las Terrenas, a premium destination located on the Samaná Peninsula of the Dominican Republic, celebrated for its lush mountainous landscapes meeting paradisiacal Atlantic white - sand beaches, turquoise waters, and relaxed Caribbean vibe.            

Evolving from a quiet fishing village, Las Terrenas  now uniquely features a cosmopolitan, European - influenced culture alongside a rich array of outdoor, aquatic activities like snorkelling, diving and surfing, excellent gastronomic experiences in a place highlighted by Playa Las Ballenas, a highly walkable beach near the town centre featuring gentle, shallow waters perfect for sunset viewing.

Las Terrenas offers a blend of tranquillity and adventure, from pristine beaches to nearby hiking trails, waterfalls, whale - watching excursions, and easy access to Los Haitises National Park, renowned for its caves and mangroves.                             

Almare Beach Resort Las Terrenas, Curio by Hilton is expected to open in 2028, offering travellers a distinctive way to experience a very attractive destination like Las Terrenas. The property will join a global set of remarkable properties that provide travellers with a one - of - a - kind stay experience in the world’s most discerning destinations.

The signing reflects Hilton’s focus on strengthening its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America and enhances its luxury and lifestyle portfolio amid rising demand for lifestyle and luxury stays.

The property is owned by DACC Investment Blu SRL, a Dominican – registered development company based in Las Terrenas.

Inspired by the Italian phrase “al mare” meaning “towards the sea” the resort’s name evokes the natural rhythm between land and ocean.

The property will feature 252 elegantly appointed accommodations, including 90 hotel rooms and 162 residential units. Residence owners will have the option to include their units in the hotel inventory at their discretion. Select ground - floor units will offer private  plunge pools for an elevated experience.

Guests at the resort will enjoy exceptional amenities such as a vibrant beach club with private cabanas, four outdoor swimming pools, including adult and family - friendly options, two paddel courts, lush gardens and green spaces designed for relaxation and a full - service spa complemented by a state - of - the - art fitness centre.

Dining options will include a signature beach club restaurant, an all - day dining venue, and a poolside bar, offering guests and residents a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.

The resort will join the Curio Collection by Hilton brand that features individually remarkable hotels and resorts picked for the their unique character, design, and story.

Each location of the brand offers distinctive architecture,locally inspired design, world - class food and beverage options, and curated local experiences, a soft brand that allows hotels to retain their unique identities within Hilton’s portfolio.while still providing the benefits of Hilton Honors program.

Vice President of development and architecture, construction and design for the Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton, Pablo Maturana, said that the signing of Almare Beach Resort Las Terrenas, Curio by Hilton is an important step towards fulfilling Hilton vision to grow its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America.

This project reflects the rising demand for lifestyle brands that deliver unique experiences through exceptional design, world -  class dining, and curated amenities while being backed by Hilton’s hospitality and award - winning Honors program. Hilton is thrilled to partner with DACC Investment Blu SRL to bring a distinctive lifestyle experience to Las Terrenas blending world - class hospitality with the region’s natural beauty.

President, DACC Investment Blu SRL Vincenzo Odoguardi said that Almare Beach Resort,Curio Collection by Hilton will showcase the best of the Dominican Republic, its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, while delivering an elevated lifestyle experience as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, a brand known for distinctive, one - of - a - kind properties. The company is proud to partner with Hilton’s award - winning brands, world – class hospitality and global expertise.

Brand leader, Curio Collection by Hilton, Thomas Brooke, said that the resort showcases the elevated qualities that guests seek from Curio Collection by Hilton. This signing strengthens the company presence in the Caribbean and Latin America and adds to a global portfolio of more than 200 remarkable properties, giving travellers more ways to experience Hilton’s world - class hospitality in extraordinary destinations.

The planned debut of Almare Beach Resort Las Terrenas reflects Hilton’s focus on strengthening its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America where the company’s footprint spans more than 300 hotels in more than 35 countries and territories, and boasts a robust pipeline of 150 additional planned hotels.

In the Caribbean, Hilton plans to almost double its portfolio, which currently includes nearly 50 properties welcoming guests across the island nations. In the Dominican Republic, the company also plans to more than double its current portfolio of nine hotels.

Links

https://stories.hilton.com/releases/almare-beach-resort-las-terrenas-curio-by-hilton-signing

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141348.html

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation | To Launch a 250 - Room Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation a Newton, Massachusetts - based hospitality company founded in 1937, the 8th - largest U.S. hotel chain, managing over 1.200 properties across various brands will launch a new 250 - room hotel in Miami Beach, a vibrant south Florida city located in Miami - Dade County, connected by bridges to mainland Miami.

Miami Beach is a glamorous destination highlighted by white sand beaches, turquoise waters from North Shore Open Space Park, past palm - lined Lummus Park to South Pointe Park,  renowned for its emblematic South Beach, a vibrant cultural scene, an international cachet with celebrities and models and its iconic early 20 - century architecture in the Art Deco Historic district, highlighted by pastel - coloured buildings especially along Ocean Drive.

The James Nautilus Miami Beach is scheduled to open in late 2026 as the flagship property of The James Hotels, a brand managed by Sonesta International Hotel Corporation.

The property was purchased in June 2023 by Services Property Trust, a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, specializing in two core asset classes : hotels ans service – focused retail net leases.

The hotel is located at 1825 Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach within Mid - century Miami Modern/MiMo architectural district, placing guests steps away from designer shopping, fine dining, offering direct beach access, near Ocean Drive, The Bass contemporary art museum, the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Lincoln Road Mall, 9.6 km from Kasaya Center,  and 24 - 45 minutes depending on traffic from Miami International Airport (MIA).

The James Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach occupies the site of the original Nautilus Hotel opened in the early 1950 and designed by Morris Lapidus, a talented Ukranian art deco architect but raised in New York, primarily known for his Neo - Baroque “Miami Modern” hotels developed in the 1950s and 60s, who utilized modernist visual and spatial elements to create eye catching, filling the broad street with public art and native plants that enhance the experience.

The property’s design is led by Anderson Miller, with an emphasuis on honouring Morris Lapidus’ historical legacy and signature style.

The hotel features 250 comfortable rooms, food and beverage outlets developed in partnership with LDV Hospitality, the group behind New York City venues such as American Cut, Barlume, and Scarpetta. Planned concepts include a signature restaurant with Mediterranean - style cuisine and alfresco seating extending to the pool and beach, an omakase dining option, and a late - night lounge.

Amenities at the hotel include a signature heated saltwater pool complete with an underwater sound system flanked by private cabanas, plus direct access to South Beach with food and beverage service, a 24 - hour fitness centre equipped with Peloton bikes, poolside spa services, and nearly 28.000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor event spoace.

The property joins The James Hotels, an upper - upscale residential - styled lifestyle brand owned by Sonesta International Hotels, designed to offer boutique - style luxury liberated from tradition. The brand blends hand - crafted design with destination - worthy local dining, exquisite bars, and highly curated concierge - style amenities.

The opening of the James Nautilus Miami Beach marks the beginning of The James Hotels brand’s expansion with a Downtown Miami property planned for 2030.

Links

https://www.nautilushotelmiami.com/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141555.html

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) | Announced the Opening of a 39 - Key SeleQtions Boutique Hotel in Mumbai, India

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a hospitality firm part of Tata Group and based in Mumbai, India, has announced the opening of a 39 - key SeleQtions property in Mumbai, formerly called Bombay,  sprawling capital city of the state of Maharashtra on Konkan coast, a centre with a rich cultural and historical heritage, India's largest city and relevant financial hub, famous for its handmade fabrics, textiles, jewellery and well known as the heart of the Bollywood Film Industry.

Bandra House, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions is an ultra - luxury boutique hotel located on Turner Road, a 1 - minute walk to Linking Road, near U.S. Consulate General and Jio World Convention Centre, a short walk to Lilavati Hospital and within close proximity to  Bandstand Promenade, Mahim Beach, and Juhu Beach, roughly a 12 - minute walk to Mumbai Bandra Station,  and a 28 - minute drive from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. 

The hotel is located in the heart of Bandra West, Mumbai’s premier bohemian - chic enclave, known as the “Queen of the Suburbs” highlighted by a unique blend of Portuguese - era heritage villages, celebrity mansions, a mix of traditional residences, modern studios, bustling street markets,  coastal promenades, a vibrant café culture, arts and dining scene, providing excellent connectivity to South Mumbai via the Bandra – Worli Sea Link. 

The property draws inspiration from the heritage bungalows and creative history of the Bandra area. The design blends traditional and modern architecture with eclectic, art - layered interiors incorporating elements reflecting the borough’s unique  culture artistry.

Bandra House, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions features 39 stylish rooms, The Bandra Living Room, a multi - cuisine restaurant drawing from coastal heritage, emphasising local flavours and fresh regional produce, a fully equipped fitness centre, free Wi - Fi, and 24 - hour in - room dining. 

The hotel offers curated neighbourhood experiences including the Bandra Bungalow Walk, Starlit Strolls on Bandstand Promenade, unique city trails like A Culinary Pilgrimage and Rhythm of “Burbs”, providing guests with opportunities to explore Bandra discovering its essence, soul and charm.

The property joins the SeleQtions brand, a curated collection of properties known for their individual personality and special character, offering unique experiences and featuring a strong connection to their local context, historic lieange, design, or a distinct creative theme, appealing to experiential travellers.

Links

https://www.ihcltata.com/press-room/mumbai-welcomes-a-new-address-with-the-opening-of-bandra-house-ihcl-seleqtions

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141626.html

Buôn Ma Thuột, Vietnam | Recognized as a Culinary Destination of Global Relevance

Buôn Ma Thuột, the capital of Đắk Lắk Province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, famous as the country’s “Coffee Capital”, it features world - class coffee museums, sprawling Robusta plantations, indigenous Ê Đê cultural heritage, and spectacular waterfalls, recognized by National Geographic, a renowned American mothly magazine published by Geographic Partners. and inserted in the prestigious “Best of the World 2026” list, was selected  among the  best gastronomic destinations globally this year for its renowned brews and rich indigenous food culture. 

This recognition placing Buôn Ma Thuột as a a global culinary powerhouse, putting this Vietnamese centre in a position to project itself to the world with its own unique identity in the gastronomic sector and beyond. 

The website vietnamtourism.gov.vn stated said that instead of following the models of mass tourism Buôn Ma Thuột can choose its own path: to develop tourism through cultural richness, the taste of its coffee and experience that touch the heart. 

According to the portal, after being recognized by National Geographic, the city is achieving a new tittle: world culinary destination, where visitors can find in a cup of coffee the flavour, essence and soul of the Vietnamese Central Highlands. 

In the global tourism landscape, successful destinations are not only places with beautiful landscapes, but places that create memories, the publication noted, noting that in the Vietnamese coffee capital, such remembrance can begin easily. 

The publication explained that it is enough to enjoy a morning in the Central Highlands,the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, the sound of the wind through the orchards, the stories of the locals and the intense and persistent flavour on the palate. 

The recognition of Buôn Ma Thuột further reaffirms the unique appeal of the Central Highlands region, where coffee is not just an agricultural commodity or a product to export, but has become a distinctive culture, lifestyle and tourism experience. 

The key culinary and cultural features that define Buôn Ma Thuột and the region include: 

Buôn Ma Thuột as Global Coffee Capital:  

•    World’s Premier Robusta Producer: Đắk Lắk Province produces over 40 percent of Vietnam’s coffee exports. Grown in nutrient  rich basalt red soil, the Robusta is globally renowned for its bold - full – bodied profile. 
•    Thriving Café Culture: Locals boasts that there is a coffee shop every 100 metres. Traditional slow - dripped phin filler coffee, salted coffee, and egg coffee are iconic favourites.
•    World Coffee Museum: Designed to mimic the traditional longhouses of the Ê Đê ethnic group, this landmark is one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive museums. 

Indigenous Ethnic Cuisine in Buôn Ma Thuột and the Central Highlands: 

•    Ê Đê and M’ nông Traditions: The foundation of the region’s food relies on indigenous cooking methods using wild ingredients. 
•    Flavour Profile: Staples include Canh Lá (forest leaf hotpot) , wild boar, free – range chicken cooked in bamboo shoots, and traditional bamboo - straw liquor. 

Regional Specialties and Fusion: 

•    Bánh Đỏ: This red noodle soup, a local favourite inspired by migration convergence, heavily is heavily featured during the biennial Buôn Ma Thuột Coffee Festival. 
•    River Catfish: Serepok catfish is a major culinary highlight of local longhouse feasts. 
•    Diverse Street Food: The city’s bustling local markets offers “Bún thit nuớng” (grilled pork noodles), spring rolls, and regional sweet desserts like Chè. 

Experiential Dining in Buôn Ma Thuột and Across the Region: 
: 
•    Eco - Tourism and Farm - to - Table: Visitors can explore lush emerald – green plantations, participate in traditional Ê Đê coffee roasting ceremonies, and dine in nature at sites like the Trung Nguyen Coffee Village. 
•    Best Time to Visit: The dry season (December – April) is ideal for market visits, while the rainy season provides a cozy atmosphere for traditional hopot dining. 

One of the reasons why Buôn Ma Thuột enjoy so much prestige is its ability to connect gastronomy culture and local life. Coffee in this city is inseparable from cultural landscape of the area is deeply linked to the communal houses, water fountains gongs, festivals, and the generational histories of indigenous communities, all elements make Buôn Ma Thuột unique in its kind. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/capital-cafetera-de-vietnam-destino-culinario-de-relevancia-mundial/

Horta, Portugal | A Historic 19th Century School Transformed into a Boutique Hotel on Faial Island

The former Liceu da Horta building, a landmark that hosted a historic, prestigious school with deep cultural roots dating back to the 19th century l,ocated in Horta, a city in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores encompassing the Island of Faial, being continuous with the Horta Municipality is set to begin a new chapter this June as it was transformed into The Book, a stylish boutique hotel opening its doors as the island’s first five - star hotel.

The project represents an investment of around €8.5 million, developed by Portuguese company Lamparina Melódica and managed by Amazing Evolution, an independent hotel management hospitality company headquartered in Lisbon, specializing in hotel management, consulting and asset optimization for hospitality projects.  

Located in the maritime town of Horta, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, placing it steps from the island’s renowned marina, the hotel blends deep historic details with contemporary design.

The hotel takes inspiration from the building’s literary and educational past. Before becoming a school, the property was home to the Grémio Literário Faialense, the building has been a cultural and intellectual pillar on Faial Island, which directly inspires the property’s name.

The heritage restoration is tailored for luxury and wellness.The hotel features a highly exclusive layout of just 20 rooms and 5 apartments, offering a highly personalized guest experience.

Guests at the hotel can enjoy the beauty of Horta, a historic port city on Faial Island, renowned for its bustling yachting marina, vibrant maritime heritage, and status as the legislative capital of the Azores, serving as a vital transatlantic crossroads and a scenic centre for ocean adventures.

The Marina of Horta is known as one of the most colourful marinas in the world. It is a maritime superstistion that any yacht stopping here must paint a mural on the jetty walls to ensure safe onward travel, creating a massive, sprawling mosaic of nautical history.

Horta also features striking 17th century religious architecture including the Church of Our Lady of Carmo, the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora das Angosta as well as charming and picturesque cobblestone streets and alleys in its hictoric centre.

Sitting on a hill overlooking the harbour, the city provides spectacular panoramic views neighbouring Pico Island and Portugal highest peak, Mount Pico.

Further attractions include Porto Pim Beach, a protected, secluded golden sand bay directly in the city, perfect for swimming and snorkelling near the remains of an 1892 shipwreck, and Monte da Guia, a classified protected landscape and volcanic cone offering hiking trails and scenic views over the bay and the city.

Another unmissable site to visit in Horta is Peter Café Sport, a legendary sailor’s watering hole operating since 1918, famous for its gin and tonics, it also houses a unique Upstairs Museums, which features art and tools carved from whale teeth.

According to hotel director Olena Dolga, the project aims to attract travellers looking for culture, exclusivity and tailored experience in the Azores.

Link

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2026-05-12/old-school-transformed-into-hotel-in-portugal/1020515

Fanipol, Belarus | A Black Caviar Factory Opens its Doors to Boost Industrial Tourism

A black caviar factory located in Fanipol, a town in the Dzyarzhynsk District within Minsk region , 24 km southwest of Minsk and 13 km southwest of the Minsk Atomobile Ring Road, has opened its doors to boost industrial tourism.

The initiative, developed in partnership with the Republican Union of Tourist Organizations, focus on sturgeon breeding and black caviar production, a proposal that aims to valorise one of the country’s highest value - added products.

The tours allow visitors to observe the full aquaculture cycle of modern sturgeon, offering an  immersive experience includes interactive demonstrations. Guests can watch live feeding, examine fish roe under a microscope, and observe an ultrasound examination performed on a female sturgeon.

The factory seeks to bring the public closer to the stages of production and the work carried out in the breeding of this fish. During the tour visitors can learn about different species of sturgeons, accompany the filtration and water treatment systems and observe the feeding process.

In addition participants receive guidance on how to differentiate authentic caviar from imitations and have the opportunity to learn about aspects of gastronomy related to this product.

Visitors are offered the chance to sample fresh black caviar directly on site and are legally pemitted to export up to 250 grams of black sturgeon caviar out of Belarus for persnal use.

The facility in Fanipol produces caviar under the Admiral Husso brand, supplying both domestic and international markets.

Belarusian black caviar is recognized globally for its premium quality. By utilizing deep - water purification and strict European eco - standards, producers achieve a clean, mildly salted “malossol” product without preservatives, renowned for a pristine, creamy taste with a velvety, subtle aftertaste, frequently earning praise from Michelin - starred chefs.

The initiative was created to disseminate the potential of Belarusian aquaculture, promoting scientific education,  enhancing national production, and boosting industrial tourism, bringing the public closer to a segment considered strategic for the country’s agri - food sector.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/f-brica-de-caviar-negro-en-bielorrusia-abre-sus-puertas-al-turismo/

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Inaugurated a Riverside Development Corridor in the City to Promote Environmental and Urban Tourism

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's sprawling capital in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley, the country commercial and cultural hub, Africa's diplomatic capital (AU/Un/HQ), a growing economic hub, and a cultural treasure trove housing "Lucy" at the National Museum, offering rich history, vibrant markets, unique coffee culture, and a blend of ancient tradition with modern development,  attracting tourists, expats, and businesses, highlighted by a its unique atmosphere, affordability, and role as gateway to the country, has inaugurated a riverside development corridor in the city to promote environmental and urban tourism.

The project highlights the country’s INVEST in ETHIOPIA 2026 roadmap for Ethiopia Opens 22 - km Riverside Corridor Entoto - Kechene Medanealem in Addis Ababa economic growth through job creation, green energy, and infrastructure modernization.

The Ethiopian Government is transforming the capital’s waterways into green corridors, recreational zones, and commercial spaces, and these river restoration projects are driving massive, billion - dollar investments into the region.

According to ENA, the official news agency of the government of Ethiopia. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated a 9.6 - kilometres section of the Riverside Entoto - Kechene Medhanealem Development in the Ethiopian capital, a component of the “Sheger Project” , also known as Beautifying Sheger, an ambitious urban development and river - restoration initiative in Addis Ababa. 

The initiative aims to redefine urban ecosystems by integrating pedestrian walkways, access road, and commercial spaces such as cafes and restaurants  to boost tourism and creating urban job in construction, hospitality, security, a mega - project with also the purpose to transform polluted riverbanks into green recreational areas and fighting climatic change.

Prime Minister shared notable ecological and agricultural successes, such as experimental strawberry fields in Entoto, the area includes Entoto Mountain and the sprawling Entoto Natural Park offering a blend of high – altitude nature, adventure, and history,, that are already harvested every two to three days, and the successful incorporation and irrigation of highland coffee varieties, oranges, lemons, and operations focus to enhance organic honey production.

In addition, the systematic replacement of eucalyptus trees with native flora has improved soil moisture retention and water production capacity.

The project’s defining feature is its reliance on local knowledge and excellence in civil engineering, such as precision terraces built by Konso community experts without heavy machinery.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister said that this riverside urban development is an achievement generating immense pride in all aspects linked to environmental conservation, soil protection, water management and urban renewal and it is a concrete model and a valuable lesson for African brothers and sisters.

Link
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/etiop-a-inaugura-proyecto-de-desarrollo-en-la-capital-con-hoja-de-ruta-para-el-crecimiento-econ-mico/