JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has announced a distinctive collaboration with Finnish design house Marimekko across Greater China as part of its "Stay in the Moment" campaign. The partnership integrates Marimekko’s joyful artistry with JW Marriott’s mindful luxury approach through a series of immersive guest experiences. These experiences include "Blissful Stay"-themed rooms and suites, pop-up installations, collaborative afternoon teas, and artisanal workshops across nine JW Marriott properties in cities including Shanghai and Hong Kong.
JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group has hired Louis Barruel as Senior Vice President in its Hotels’ Asset Management division. Mr. Barruel will work from the Montreal office, focusing on client service delivery and growing the firm's portfolio throughout Canada. Mr. Barruel reports to Executive Vice President Katie Krieger, who noted his comprehensive Canadian market knowledge and deep sector understanding make him an invaluable addition.
Dar Global, the London-listed luxury real estate developer, and The Trump Organization have announced a major joint venture for the Maldives. The partnership includes the debut of the Trump International Hotel Maldives and the launch of the world’s first tokenised hotel development tied to the project. Located 25 minutes from Malé, the hotel will feature 80 ultra-luxury beach and overwater villas and is expected to open by the end of 2028.
Ciel Dubai Marina, the world’s tallest hotel, has officially opened as part of IHG’s Vignette Collection. The 377-metre landmark, developed by The First Group, features 82 floors and one of the world’s highest infinity pools. The hotel offers several destination dining venues, including the UK-born Asian restaurant Tattu, which culminates in the Sky Lounge & Terrace on Level 81. The property offers a spa, 24-hour gym, and a partnership with the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) to support culinary talent.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a dual management agreement with Mosa bin Abdul Aziz Al-Mosa and Sons Real Estate Holding Co. to launch two new hotels in Saudi Arabia. The hotels are the 232-key Crowne Plaza Al Khobar Al Bandariyah and the 106-key Holiday Inn Riyadh Rose Yard. The Crowne Plaza is expected to open in Q1 2027 near the Corniche, while the Holiday Inn, opening in late 2026, will feature the brand’s modern Open Lobby concept in Riyadh’s Al-Suwaidi district.
The Ascott Limited has launched a global, open-access Disability Inclusion Playbook for the accommodation sector, setting a new benchmark for inclusive hospitality. Developed with Colorful Earth and supported by SG Enable, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and Valuable 500, the Playbook details guidance across five key pillars: Training, Spaces, Hiring, Digital Interfaces and Programmes. This initiative addresses the underserved market of an estimated 1.3 billion travellers with disabilities.