Evok Collection | To Open a New Luxury Hotel in Rome, Italy

Evok Collection, a luxury hotel group and a brand of 5 - star European boutique hotels with corporate office in Paris, France, known for revitalising historic buildings into vibrant, art – filled havens, offering properties uniquely blend local heritage with lavish amenities, world - class wellness, and highly personalized services, will open a new luxury hotel in Rome, the capital of Italy and of the Lazio region, located along the shores of the Tiber River, often referred to as the City of the Seven hills due to its geographic location, considered to be the cradle of Western civilization and West Christian culture, named the "Eternal City" by the ancient Romans because they believed that not matter what happened in the rest of the world,  with its centre by foot surrounded by glorious monumental and colossal remains has been protagonists of a flourishing and iconic imperial history.

Brach Roma expected to open in early 2027 with reservations from in July 2026 will be located in the historic centre of Rome, within 100 metres of Piazza del Popolo, a vast neoclassical square, historically the grand northern entrance to the “Eternal City” inside the Aurelian Walls, renowned for its sweeping symmetry, ancient Egyptian obelisk, twin Baroque churches and close to the Tiber River.

The strategic location of Brach Roma offers an easy access to several major Rome’s attractions including Fountain of Neptune and Goddess of Rome, Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gallery, Villa Medici, Ara Pacis and Mausoleum of Augustus among others.

The hotel will be housed in a former school building that is currently transformed into a five - star property spanning 5.000 - square - metres being developed by Zaka Investments, a real estate investment firm based in Paris, France that assists with asset and project management services,, with design by Philippe Starck, continuing his work on the brand  existing hotels in Paris and Madrid. 

The property will feature 60 stylish, elegant rooms and suites with private terraces, alongside a restaurant, Italian bar, a rooftop venue, concierge service and a sport wellness club with a 25 - metre swimming pool.

The establishment will become the third Brach hotel , following openings in Paris, France and Madrid, Spain, expanding Evok Collection portfolio and presence in leading European destinations.

Link

https://boutiquehotelnews.com/news/hotel/evok-collection-brach-rome/

Marriott International | Construction Begins on a New 153 - Room AC Hotel by Marriott in Houston, Texas, U.S.

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, through Anchor Construction Corporation, one of the Mid - Atlantic Region’s most respected and leading self – performing utility and infrastructure firm based in Washington, D.C. has began construction on a new six - story , 153 room AC Hotel by Marriott in Houston, vibrant city and seat of Harris County in the U.S. state of Texas, situated near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

America’s fourth - largest city and a cosmopolitan destination, Houston is closely linked with the Space Center Houston, the coastal visitor center at NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex, and also highlighted by a relevant cult, proral scene with its Theatre District, home to the renowned Houston Grand Opera and the Historic District, with 19th century architecture and upscale restaurants.

The $19 million project to develop AC Marriott by CityCentre Houston is led by PA Hospitality, a Houston - based premier hotel management and development company that operates, finances, and develops hotels and resorts across the United States. Anchor Construction as the general contractor on the hotel, has been involved since preconstruction, working with ownership and project partners on budgeting , scheduling, logistics and constructability planning.

Designed by DLR Group, an employes - owned integrated design firm headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, providing architecture, engineering, planning and interior design, delivery is anticipated in late 2027.

The development spans approximately 85.810 square feet, located at 10752 Town and Country in West Houston within CityCentre, a mixed use development  which includes office, retail, dining and entertainment offerings in the Memorial City district situated at the southeastern corner of the intersection of Interstate 10 and Beltway 8, offering an easy access to major attractions and landmarks of the city.

The hotel will feature 153 comfortable rooms with contemporary accommodations for both business and leisure travellers, a pool, bar, and meeting space.  

The property will join the AC Hotels by Marriott brand that features sleek, purposeful design, emphasizing open spaces and intuitive layouts to promote relaxation and collaboration. The brand’s focus on modern aesthetics including curated art, creates a sophisticated and seamless experience, epitomized by its “Perfectly Precise Hotel™” concept.

The development part of a broader strategy to expand Marriott International presence in key destinations across the U.S. is intended to address growing demand for high - quality accommodations in the city. 

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141491.html

La Reina, Chile | Inaugurated the First “Pocket Wetland” in the Country that Will Reuse 2,500 Litres of Water Daily

Chile inaugurated its first “pocket wetland” (humedad de bolsillo) in the Metropolitan Region, located in La Reina, a primarily residential commune in Eastern Santiago, known as the “park commune” , characterized by an abundance of green spaces, trees, strict regulations restricting high - rise buildings, and a semi - rural, low - density atmosphere. 

This pilot ecosystem is designed to treat and reuse up to 2,500 litres of greywater daily, a project that is  part of the strategy promoted by the Government of Santiago to address water scarcity in the Metropolitan Region.

The “pocket wetland” initiative is also part of a broader, nationwide effort to safeguard and restore local ecosystems, such as the massive 2.300 - hectare Maipo River urban wetland, under Chile’s progressive urban wetlands framework.

The development will allow the processing of water from showers, sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines, later reincorporating into the local aquifer to irrigate surrounding green areas.

The system incorporates energy - efficient pumps, sensors and automated monitoring to regulate water circulation according to flow rate and temperature.

The technology applied uses nature - based filtration systems to clean greywater from everyday use such as handwashing sinks. The water is naturally purified as it passes through microorganisms and plant roots, before being safely redirected to water local vegetation.

The goal is a major step toward “sponge city” concepts and combating extreme water shortages by promoting decentralized, on – site water recycling.

During the inauguration, Governor Claudio Orrego warned that the main climate challenge of the Metropolitan Region is the care water and called to take care of every drop in the face of the looming crisis.

From his part, the Mayor of LA Reina, José Manuel Palacios, highlighted the environmental and community impact of the project, noting that it promotes water filtration, urban biodiversity and climate adaptation.

Link

 https://tvbrics.com/es/news/chile-inaugura-su-primer-humedal-urbano-que-reutilizar-2-500-litros-de-agua-al-d-a/

Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic | Included in the Condé Nast Traveller List of “11 Best Tropical Spots in the World”

Punta Cana, , a popular resort town and a Caribbean leading  destination  located on the easternmost point of the the Dominican Republic, well known for its 32 kilometres of pristine, plam - lined beaches, vibrant, clear turquoise waters,  warm tropical climate high - end accommodations, vibrant nightlife, exceptional whale watching opportunities ,and  a wide range of outdoor experiences, was included in the the Condé Nast Traveller List of “11 Best Tropical Spots in the World”. 

The prestigious British travel magazine published by Condé Nast aimed at readers interested in travel, with an emphasis on high - end and independent experiences, highlighted the destination located in the region often called the “Coconut Coast” as one of the best tropical getaways , describing Punta Cana as one of the most attractive places for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure.

 Punta Cana continues to attract millions of visitors each year further strengthening the country’s international appeal as a Caribbean travel hotspot.

 In the selection, Condé Nast Traveller featured tropical destinations that offer conditions for swimming, diving, nature exploration, and beach escapes. The list includes internationally renowned locations such as the Bahamas, the Philippines, the Maldives, and French Polynesia. 

 The publication noted that Punta Cana stands out for offering visitors both entertainment and tranquillity, making it one of the Caribbean’s most complete vacation destinations.

Condé Nast Traveller also highlighted specific highlights to check out: 

•    Cap Cana Enclave: This private gated community located just east of the main bustle is perfect for day excursions, such as catamaran tours to the nature reserve of Isla Caona. 
•    Dining and Design: The publication spotlighted the St. Regis Cap Cana Resort for its tranquillity, patterned brickwork, and the Latin Caribbean flavours as its Cassava restaurant. 
•    Tortuga Bay Puntacana: Located within the larger Punta Cana Resort & Club, this property was awarded the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown for its consistency, design by Oscar de la Renta, and close access to 12 freshwater lagoons of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve. 

The recognition undoubtedly reinforces the Dominican Republic’s growing position in the global market and highlights Punta Cana’s continued popularity among travellers searching for the best tropical vacations, Caribbean resorts, and beach destiunations in 2026.

Tourism remains one of the Dominican Republic’s leading economic sectors., with Punta Cana playing a key role in attracting international visitors and strengthening the country’s global tourism brand. 

Link
https://dominicantoday.com/conde-nast-traveller-includes-punta-cana-on-list-of-best-tropical-getaways/

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Launched an Educational Programme Using Animation to Drive Marine Conservation Awareness

A coalition of Tanzanian organisations led by the Sanamare Organization has launched an educational programme using the educational Baharimania animation and classrooms engagement to drive and promote marine conservation awareness among young people in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, a bustling, fast - growing coastal metropolis on the Indian Ocean, known as the “Adobe of Peace”, featuring a unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and German heritage.

The initiative titled “Beyond the Shoreline: Youth Championing Ocean Conservation Programme 2026” uses interactive storytelling to teach youth about ocean pollution and protecting coastal ecosystems and has reached thousands of students across the city. 

Programme Details and Highlights: 

•    The Initiative: “Beyond the Shoreline: Youth Championing Ocean Conservation Programme 2026" uses visual learning tools like animation and XR films to inspire long – term environmental behaviour change. 
•    The Media: Bahararimania centres on relatable animated characters, such as Anzi, to make dense conservation concepts engaging and memorable for younger audiences. 
•    Student Impact: Screenings paired with Q&A sessions encourage students to reflect on the stories and actively participate in local environmental projects like beach cleanups. 
•    Local Scale: the programme has successfully reached thousands of young students in schools across Dar es Salaam, including local institutions like Mtakuja Beach Secondary Schools and Nzasa Secondary School. 

The programme directly supports Tanzania Blue Economy Policy, aiming to safeguard coastal economies by educating the next generation about the critical need for ocean protection.

Organisers hope to expand the initiative further as marine conservation becomes increasingly important to Tanzania’s tourism and coastal economies. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/tanzania-youth-programme-uses-animation-to-drive-marine-conservation-awareness.html

Corfu, Greece | Completed an €8.5 Million Upgrade of the Gouvia Marina Expanding its Capacity

D - Marin, a premium marina operator with its primary headquarters in Athens, Greece, offering world - class berthing and superyacht services across the Mediterranean and Gulf regions has completed an €68.5 upgrade of Guovia Marina in Corfu, an idyllic island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its diverse cultural heritage, lush landscapes, stunning beaches, a UNESCO - listed Old Town, dramatic coastlines, ancient olive groves, and a rich blend of Venetian, British, French, Greek and Venetian architecture.

Located in Gouvia Bay on the east coast of Corfu between the Adriatic and the Mediterranean,  Gouvia Marina is a premier fully - organized marina, the largest in the island, boasting extensive docking, lifestyle amenities, and serves as a strategic gateway for marine tourism in the wider region. 

The marina accommodates superyachts and boats with a maximum Length Overall (LOA) of 80m and a maximum draught of 5.5m, it provides comprehensive repair and maintenance services, featuring two travellfts (up to 75 - ton capacities), two, mobile cranes, 24 - hour technical support, 24/7 security, Port Police, Cusstoms, and postal services on - site.

The upgrade expands berthing capacity, adds modern smart infrastructure, and introduces new - community - focused sustainability measures to one of the largest yachting hub in the Mediterranean.

The large scale redevelopment added 104 new berths explicity designed to accommodate vessels up to 80 metres in length and an additional 6.000 square metres of dry storage space ashore, alongside new parking areas.

The waterfront area was completely pedestrianised, featuring a new playground, an amphitheatre for hosting cultural events and outdoor cinema screenings, landscaping that added 2.000 trees and plants, the renovation of all sanitary and shower facilities, and an extensive reconstruction of the internal road networks, aiming to improve accessibility and the overall visitor experience.

As part of the redevelopment, the marina introduced new smart technologies, including “Smart Pedestals” at each berth that allow remote monitoring of electricity and water consumption through D - Marin’s mobile app. WiFi infrastructure across the marina was also upgraded.

The project additionally marked D - Marin’s first on - site solar energy installation in Greece. The new 100 kWp photovoltaic system is expected to generate approximately 167 MWh of clean electricity annually, covering around 20 percent of the marina’s operational energy needs.

Other sustainability - focused additions include LED lighting, EV charging stations, upgraded fire detection systems.

D - Marinas Hellas Regional Director Ioannis Koutsodontis said that the upgrade of Gouvia Marina goes for beyond infrastructure.

Link

https://news.gtp.gr/2026/05/26/corfu-gouvia-marina-expands-capacity-with-e8-5m-upgrade/

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts | Unveiled the Upcoming Opening of a Luxury Property in Mere, Cheshire, England, UK

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts a renowned chain of luxury hotels boasting an outstanding collection of properties across the world, owned by Accor S.A, French multinational hospitality company headquartered in Issy - les - Moulineaux has unveiled the upcoming opening of a luxury property in Mere, a civil parish and linear village along the A556 road in the unitary authority of Cheshire East and the ceremonial county of Cheshire in North West England.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced that reservations are now open for Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, with bookings available from July 10, 2026. The property will be the Fairmount Hotels & Resorts’ fourth hotel in the UK., joining the Savoy, Fairmount Windsor Park and Fairmount St. Andrews.

The transformation of the historic Mere estate into Fairmont Chesire, The Mere follows a £35 million acquisition and an additional £90 million investment by Select Group, The establishment has previously served as a leisure estate and private club and is now operated as a hotel under the Fairmount brand.

The hotel is located at Chester Road, within 157 acres in the verdant and suggestive Cheshire countryside overlooking the Lake Mere, only ten minutes from Manchester International Airport, and 30 minutes from Manchester City centre.

Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere features 116 comfortable rooms, ,including 23 suites. Dining options at the hotel include Gordon Ramsay at the Mere, afternoon tea and Champagne at The Orangery, British and Indian cuisine at The Club Lounge, and a Spa Bar.

The hotel also offers wellness facilities at Fairmont Spa and an 18-hole championship golf course.  Event facilities include a 1.000 - square - metre Grand Ballroom with a capacity of up to 1.000 guests, four boardrooms with landscape views, available for meetings or private dining, and ideal spaces positioned to host weddings and multi - day celebrations.

Reservations are now open for Fairmount Cheshire, The Mere, with booking available from July 10, 2026 through the Fairmount website. Further announcements and additional information about the property are expected in the coming weeks.

Links

https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/mere/fairmont-cheshire-the-mere.html

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141466.html