Casa Carolina Hotel | A New Hospitality Jewel Hosted in a 16th Century Mansion in the Walled City of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Casa Carolina Hotel is a new hospitality jewel hosted in a 16th century mansion in the walled city of  Cartagena de Indias, a centre of unique charm on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, known for its vibrant culture, rich culture, stunning landscapes, tropical climate, a centre that boasts in all its splendour a magic aura highlighted by its picturesque cobblestone streets,colourful colonial buildings in the iconic walled Old Town, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO towering on pristine beaches and the tranquil Rosario Islands.

This boutique hotel is hosted in in a classy, carefully restored 16th – century colonial mansion, offering in all its essence a blend of history, tradition, modern design, stylish details, refined outlines combined with holistic wellness, excellence in service and luxury with conscious hospitality inviting guests to live a unique and memorable experience.

 The hotel reflects the past that meets the present like the city, featuring 12 elegant rooms and three classy suites designed to honour the historic essence of the historic building offering modern amenities such as a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Cartagena de Indias’ vibrant and colourful cityscape and exclusive views of two iconic symbols of the city such as the Governor’s Palace and the Cathesral dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, two outdoor pools, mindful cuisine and Ayuvedic spa rituals for a rejuvenating experience for the body, soul and mind.

Casa Carolina is undoubtedly the right place designed to enjoy comfort, relaxation and to reconnect with oneself combining the timeless beauty of colonial architecture with contemporary design embodying the understated elegance and rich cultural legacy of Cartagena de Indias, the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast always ready to bewitch a multutide of visitors with its incomparable charm.

The rooftop bar in partnership with El Barón, one of the top 100 bars in the world, offers a signature cocktail menu that features innovative and trendy blends with fresh tropical fruits and local spices and classics reimagined in a stunning setting.

 The hotel’s Just B Wellness Café, featuring fresh locally sourced ingredients, serves a menu of artisanal aromatic organic coffee, energy drinks made with fresh ingredients and local tropical fruits, as well as locally sourced dishes, including gluten - free and dairy - free options.

Commitment to wellness and mindful living Casa Carolina’s culinary philosophy, led by the talented French - Colombian chef Andrés Fernández León and resident chef Santiago Suárez, is based on honouring local traditions and sustainability with each ingredient  carefully chosen to support the body.

Casa Carolina to offer an exceptional culinary experience to its guests is committed to supporting the local economy and preserving Cartagena’s cultural heritage and all food comes from local community farms and humanitarian initiatives in the state of Bolivar.

The hotel’s spa specialises in traditional and Ayurvedic trearments, offering, a unique wellness experience, while the Yoga Shala is a space dedicated to yoga and mindfulness practices, allowing guests to reconnect with themselves amidst the dynamic energy of Cartagena de Indias.

The owner of the hotel, Caroline Tchekhoff said that Casa Carolina is a celebration of the soul of Cartagena de Indias. The goal is to provide a holistic experience that offers guests the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of this iconic Colombian city and of course looking forward to welcoming visitors seeking a conscious getaway where wellness and luxury coexist.

Highly interesting is the the past of the building hosting of Casa Carolina, steeped in history, it has witnessed the evolution of Cartagena de Indias, and today the goal is to provide a holistic experience that offers guests during a relaxing stay to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of a historic site of the city of superbly preserved beauty.

 Originally built in the 16th century as part of the chancel of the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, the mansion’s restoration carefully preserved its architectural integrity, it retains all its its colonial architecture elements, including historic murals and coral stone walls, otiginal colonial paintings, handcrafted wood details, and intricate stonework that transports guests through time.

The design, led by local talented architects and artisans, successfully integrates modern luxury with elenents that reflect Cartagena’s heritage with a total respect of the original architectural style embellishing an environment which kept its stunning charm and offering a sophisticated sanctuary that loyally respects the city’s history while also providing today’s comforts.

The building hosting the current hotel was a place that over the years, has served as a relevant meeting place for Cartagena’s intellectual and artistic nomenclature, most notably as the site of the emblematic Café de la Nueva Granada in the 19th century, becoming the favourite destination for social gatherings with literary or artistic overtones and today Casa Carolina as a shining hospitality jewel is proud to be part of Cartagena de Indias vibrant history tourism scene offering itself as stunning sanctuary that reflects the heart and the soul of a magnificent city.

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/noticias/hoteles/105434_casa_carolina_abre_en_la_ciudad_amurallada_de_cartagena_de_indias

 

 

 

 

Aleph Hospitality | Portfolio Expansion in West Africa Adding a Renowned Hotel in Accra, Ghana

Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa specialising in the operation of internationally recognised hotels brands, headquartered in Dubai with offices in Saudi Arabia, has announced its plan to continue its expansion in West Africa, concretely in Ghana, adding to its portfolio a renowned hotel, The Address located in Accra, the capital and largest city of the country located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Guinea, an establishment owned by Devtraco Plus Limited, leading real estate developer established in 1993 and based in Greater Accra. 

This move follows a successful partnership in 2022 when DevtracoPlus Limited appointed Aleph Hospitality to manage The Pelican Hotel also in the Ghanian capital marking the second agreement between the companies, a signal of mutual confidence and a key factor in Aleph Hospitality's continued growth is its excellent regional track record, resulting in more than 60% of current owners entrusting additional properties to their management.

The hotel scheduled to open its doors in 2026 is strategically located in the prestigious Roman Ridge neighbourhood, one of Accra's most sought - after locations which offers easy access to the city's top attractions, business hubs, and entertainment options, an 8 minutes drive from the Kotoka International Airport and is part of a mixed - use development that include luxury apartments with private pools.

The Address after aligning the stadards of the hospitality group will feature a hotel tower with 121 comfortable and rooms and suites boasting an elegant design that will showcase a refined blend of functionality and style, complemented by attractive details and premium finishes.

The property will provide a restaurant, a cigar lounge, a sky - view bar, a fully equipped fitness centre, a pool and meeting rooms.

The Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, Bani Haddad, expressed his enthusiasm for the continued partnership with Devtraco Plus Limited and he stated that the management of another exceptional hotel in Ghana is a testament to the trust placed in Aleph Hospitality's innovative and owner - focused management approach. 

Devtraco Plus Limited Group's Executive Director, Joseph Aidoo expressed his confidence in Aleph Hospitality for the outstanding results delivered at the Pelican Hotel, noting their team's combination of local expertise, agility, and responsiveness. 

 These qualities are essential for safeguarding their investments amid Ghana's growing tourism sector, with the country expecting two million annual visitors and an escalating demand for high - quality accommodations, hotel occupancy in Accra are projected to reach 70 – 80% during peak seasons.

 Link - https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/aleph-hospitality-expands-presence-in-ghana-with-the-signing-of-a-second-hotel-txnpq2wt

 

The Welbeck Hotel | Opened its Doors in the Exclusive Marylebone District of London, England, UK

The Welbeck Hotel has opened its doors in the historic and exclusive district of Marylebone, located in the city of Westminster, in Central London and part of the West End, a high - class residential area and an upscale enclave with a village feel, highlighted by trendy restaurants along the chic Marylebone High Street, indie boutiques and cozy bars, set between the elegant green spaces of Hyde Park and Regents Park, offering a wellness – focused retreat and sophistication in the hearth of the capital of England and of the UK.

The Hotel is situated on Welbeck Street, an urban artery combining modern luxury with a stylish Edwardian architecture which runs approximately north - south between the famous New Cavendish Street at the northern end and crossing the bustling Wigmore Street near Wigmore Hall, a short distance from the renowned Bond Street, with easy access to popular shopping destinations such as Selfridges department store on Oxford Street, and providing direct routes across London via the Elizabeth Line and to Heathrow International Airport.

The property enters in the portfolio of IHG, InterContinental Hotels Group marketed as IHG Hotels & Resorts, British Multinational company headquartred in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, listed on the London Stock Exchange and also constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

The accommodation features 164 welcoming, stylish rooms and suites designed to provide comfort and guests have access to in - room wellness services provided by London Ruuby App, such as bespoke beauty treatments, facials and massages among others.

The Welbeck Hotel offers excellent facilities such as a lounge areas where guests can enjoy coffee and artisanal pastries, a fully equipped gym, meeting rooms, and event spaces making it very suitable for conferences, business meetings, relaxation and social gatherings.

 The guests can enjoy nearby attractions include first - class restaurants and bars, independent boutiques and cultural sites like the Wallace Collection, a relevant national museum housing unique masterpieces of armour, arms, furniture, painting, sculpture and porcelain and Wigmore Hall, London’s iconic venue for chamber music and song recitals.

The property in its operational strategy has in sustainability one of its key aspects, and it implemented initiatives such as energy - efficient systems, comprehensive recycling programs and wildflowers planters for local biodiversity, it is certified as a green building and has eliminated single - use plastics, efforts that delivered the hotel a BREEAM excellent rating.

In addition the Welbeck Hotel partners with the Felix Project, London’ led by a British - based food redistribution charity that rescues safe and nutritious surplus food from the food industry and distributes it to charities, primary schools and holiday programmes helping feed the most vulnerable people in London. 

The room rates start from £300.0 per night, VAT included and guests staying at the Welbeck Hotel can earn and redeem points through the IHG One Rewards programme, as the hotel is a member of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family.  

The General Manager of the Welbeck Hotel, Simon Hall expressed his enthusiasm about the opening of this historic property and he emphasized the hotel’s commitment to providing guests an elevated experience in the heart of one of London’s most esteemed neighborhoods.

Link - https://thewelbeckhotel.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Morelos, Mexico | "Morelos la Primavera de Mexico", New Tourism Brand to Promote and Positioning the Destination Globally

Morelos, landlocked state located in south - central Mexico, the second smallest state in the country, occupying only 0.25% of the land in the entire Mexican territory, launches its new tourist brand "Morelos la Primavera de Mexico", Morelos the Spring of Mexico, to promote and positioning the destination globally.

Morelos is a very captivating destination, nicknamed the " state of Eternal Spring" for a warm climte year – round, directly linked to the Brand name boasting an incredible diverse topography composed by mountains, hills, tropical rainforests, alpine meadowlands and flatlands, the native land of the Tlahuicas, a sub group of the Aztec Indians, highlighted by a stunning colonial architecture, also home to the Monasteries of Popocatépl designed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO,  revered for its iconic "Chinelos" a type of costumed dancer that appears at festivals and Carnival, which is celebrated in a number of communities is a land offering a multitude of great attractions.

The new brand was launched during a ceremony led by the Governor of Morelos, Margarita González Saravia and it is intended to generate an emotional bond between travellers and local communities, as well as to promote economic, cultural and social development through sustainable and inclusive tourism.

 "Morelos la Primavera de Mexico" will position the state in the national and international arenas, representing a brand able to attract a greater number of tourists, generating greater spillover and social inclusion and as explained the Governor of Morelos, the relaunch of the brand is a priority issue since the Easter and summer vacation season are approaching, which are very important for the state's tourist destinations and it is developed in some essential point as :

•    Morelos, an authentic destination - This is the main and direct message of promotion and positioning the destination globally, highlighting the destination with the new tourism brand that includes an intense, comprehensive campaign that will mark the rebirth of Morelos in terms of tourism, to show the state as a vibrant and authentic destination, which offers unique experiences to travellers.

 •    Brand Segments – The brand is inspired by 17 segments to showcase all the attractiveness of the destination with its varied offer, classified into the following categories : personal experiences, wellness and connection, culture and gastronomy, entertainment and events and through priorities axes such as richness, diversity, and essence of Morelos will be made known to the world.

The Secretary of Tourism of Morelos, Daniel Altafi Valladares, has reported that the new tourism brand is an unprecedent strategy, which will mark a new course for the projection of the state highlighting that it is a brand to attract travellers, but it is also a gift for the people of Morelos to rescue the identity,  pride and roots of their state, as a vibrant and authentic destination.

 Link - https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/105352_morelos_es_la_primavera_de_mexico

Lisbon | III Visit Portugal Conference - Global Tourism Insight - 11th March 2025

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, will host the third edition of the Visit Portugal Conference, an excellent occasion where the latest trends in tourism, international markets and segments of global tourism will be addressed, an event that will live under the slogan “Global Tourism Insight” offering a unique opportunity for the professionals of the sector to explore a large landscape of the tourism industry.

For the 3rd consecutive year, after the inauguration led by Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado the event will bring together renowned speakers, national and international influencers who will share visions, knowledge and experiences on relevant topics for the internalization of tourism companies and brands. 

With the market perspective of several delegates from Turismo de Portugal from around the world coming from Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Ireland,  Italy, Japan, Poland, South Korea, Spain, the Netherlands,  the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the Nordic countries the conference will also feature the participation of David Levine, specialist in commercial business, who will address the topic of Artificial Intelligence “AI and Me : Navigating Business Trends in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”.

Amazon Web Services Principal Travel and Hospitality EMEA, Luis Monteiro, will dedicate his presentation to “ AI for the Future : A guide for businesses” and furthermore “The Creative Journey / Internationalization of Gastronomy” will be presented.

In the afternoon the main highlight will be the Tourism Leaders Forum, followed by the presence of Simon Peter Richie Calder, a popular freelance British travel journalist and broadcaster who works for various news and travel publications who will illustrate his vision of how the media influences the choice of destinations.

The Board of Directors of Turismo de Portugal represented by Lidia Monteiro, will address Portugal’s participation in Expo 2025 which takes places in Osaka, Japan highlighted by the theme “Portugal in Osaka : Ocean of Brands”, and finally the curator of the fair Joana Gomes Cardoso and the President of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade will close the day.

Link -  https://visitportugalconference.pt/

 

 

Caño Negro, Costa Rica | Unique Refuge of Biodiversity and a Great Example of Sustainable Tourism Led by Its Community

Caño Negro is a district of the Canton of Los Chiles, in the province of Alajuela, in Costa Rica, home of the Caño Wildlife Refuge, one of the best places in the Central American country for the protection of wetlands, bird and wildlife observation as well as for its stunning landscape and culture, representing in all its essence a unique refuge of biodiversity and a great example of sustainable tourism led by its community.

Visiting this site is to enter a natural sanctuary, a stunning territory among the most captivating in Central America and in the world, recognized as a Ramsar Site for its importance in the conservation of wild species and wetlands, home to families committed to the protection of the local environment and the development of authentic experiences for visitors.

Hamilton Leisure, a renowned operator dedicated to offering extraordinary and sustainable eperiences in the most impressive corners of Costa Rica, through its project Tocu Tent Camp, a proud property of the group, offering a unique luxury experience in one of Costa Rica's most diverse ecosystems works hand in hand with the local community to offer eco - sustainable tourism that promotes culture, conservation and economic growth for the inhabitants of the region.

Unique experiences that the community of Caño Negro offers : 

•    Exploring the Rio Frio and Caño Negro Wetlands - Sailing alongside local guides who share their knowledge about the flora and fauna of this ecosystem.
•    Sport Fishing and Artisanal Fishing Tours - Learning from local fishermen about traditional and sustainable techniques used for generations and fishing across different areas in an authentic natural paradise.
•    Visit to self - Sustaining farm, discovering local projects where families practice regenerative agriculture and organic production.
•    Maleku Craft Workshop - Participating in activities with indigenous artisans, preserving and supporting their cultural legacy.
•    Culinary Worshops - Learning from local families how to prepare traditional dishes with fresh local ingredients and enjoy a farm – to - table experience.
•    Visit to community enterprises - Entering in contact with the entrepreneurs and supporting local businesses such as the butterfly farm and the cocoa plantation, boosting the region's economy and enjoying experiences in a unique and authentic way.

At Caño Negro, each experience is a great invitation to feel, connect and discover the beauty and essence of Costa Rica 24/7 every day admiring the golden reflections of the sunrise over the wetland to the melodic sounds of birds at sunset in a place where every moment becomes an indelible memory and a memorable experience, a destination where nature and community open the doors to all those who want to discover a unique world of authenticity.

Caño Negro is a Costa Rican wonder in a corner of Central America where in a combination of culture, pristine nature, relaxation and experiences in a stunning natural environment represents in all its essence a perfect escape for everyone to live and enjoy an authentic exprience.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/105298_cano_negro_un_destino_de_turismo_sostenible_impulsado_por_su

Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Astrotourism Launch as One of the Big Travel Trends for 2025

Dubai, capital city of the emirate of the same name, located south of the Persian Gulf, in the Arabian Peninsula, well known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a very lively nighlife scene, with its economy relies on revenues from aviation, financial services, real estate, tourism and trade, a centre that cemented its reputation as a leading global tourism destination launch as proposal of its tourist portfolio, astrotourism, a form of nature - based tourism specifically concerned with the viewing of celestial objects, space and the physical universe placing it as one of the big travel trends for 2025.

According to a study and an accurate feedback by Skyscanner, famous group founded in 2003, search aggregator and travel agency headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, Dubai is a perfect destination to enjoy astroturism to the fullest, and today the Arab Emirate is not just limited to international events, grand gala ceremonies, luxury hotels and upscale restaurants run by award - winning chefs, but also stars, constellations and celestial bodies abound across the emirate' firmament.

The conservation guide and astronomer Jacob Sabir Samuel at Platinum Heritage, group that offers unique and memorable experiences of Dubai's deserts, said that the Dubai desert is a very special place for stargazing, from the desert people can see between 85% and 90% of the night sly, thanks to its proximity to the equator and the distance from the city lights.

The DDCR, the Dubai Desert Conservation, a 225 square kilometre nature reserve, established in 2003 to protect the desert' natural resources and wildlife, and also major contributor to scientific research and conservation efforts is one of the best places for stargazing due to low light pollution.

Other destinations of relevance are Hatta, iconic village and citadel surrounded by the Hajar Mountains,  highlighted by picturesque landscapes highlighted by wadis, rugged mountains and a scenic dam,and Al Qudra Lakes, a great escape from the city life, only 30 minutes outside Dubai, a collection of beautiful, man - made lakes located in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, well known for bird and mammal watching. 

 In addition Dubai, offers unique experiences and accommodations to enjoy and learn about astronomy, stargazing and all what concerning space and the sky in the most special way possible offering a great range of activities as :

•    DAG, Dubai Astronomy Group - the DAG was founded in the year 2000 to encourage and promote the study of astronomy and its related fields in the Middle East region and beyond, it host events, run educational programs.

The organization operates the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre opened in 2017 in collaboration with the Dubai Council featuring a 100 - seat theatre screening astronomy - related documentaries and films and the largest public observatory in the United Arab Emirates. In 2025 DAG will offer a wide range of very special activities such as observation of comets and meteor showers. 

•    Platinum Heritage - This organization is the Dubai's only ecotourism desert safari company with the mission to preserve the cultural heritage and natural environment of the region offering unique desert adventures in the United Arab Emirates and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The group offers a private night safari and astronomical excursion to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and visitors can have the opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife before heading to a private Royal Reserve for a dining experience in a traditional Bedouin camp living an authentic experience.

 •    OceanAir - It is one of the leading tour operators in Dubai, offering private city tours, radial excursions in different destinations and desert adventures promising visitors a truly exceptional experience.

The group offers a night heritage safari and Bedouin experience in the Al Marmoon Desert Conservation Reserve, a stunning adventure that begins with a desert safari and when night falls, a stargazing session takes places where the participants will learn how the Bedouins used them to navigate.

 Where to stay under the stars in Dubai : 

•    Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve - It is the first unfenced nature conservation reserve in Dubai and in the United Arab Emirates, located in the scenic desert area of Sahi Al Salam, a land rich of native plants, fauna and wildlife, a sanctuary for nature lovers but also a relevant hub for sustainable energy situated 35 kilometres from Dubai Expo 2020 and 38 kilometres from the Mall of Emirates.

In this place visitors can stay at Al Marmoom Domes, a luxury and experiential resort that offers unparalleled comfort set within a breathtaking desert oasis enjoying eco - friendly glass domes that offer guests unforgettable 360 º views of the surrounding landscape and spectacular views of a unique starry sky.

 •    Hatta - Emblematic exclave of Dubai high in the rugged Hajar Mountains, a picturesque, restored centuries - old heritage village located 115 kilometres east of Dubai City, a perfect spot for nature and adventure lovers.

 In Hatta there are several accommodation options from which the guests can enjoy the starry nights of the Arab Emirate at their best, as a glamping experience at Hatta Dome Park or in the comfortable and luxury Hatta JA Fort Hotel which offers the benefit of a classic stay. 

•    Al Maha - A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa boasting 42 individual villas, a private guest - only oasis nestled among emerald canopies, sand dunes and lush palm groves of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This very special eco - resort offer comfort, relaxation and exceptional views of the best night sky of the emirate. 

•    The Nest By Sonara – A luxurious campsite situated 25.0 kilometres from Al Maha Wildlife Reserve, within the Sonara Camp combining innovative design and eco - friendly ideals with huts inspired by the characteristic shape of the desert dunes. offering a restaurant, garden and a terrace where to enjoy in total relaxation the unique starry nights of the desert. 

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/105231_astroturismo_en_dubai_los_mejores_planes_y_lugares_para_disfrutarlo