DUSIT’S FIRST ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel vertical of Thailand-based Dusit International, has entered into an agreement with Pearl Atoll Pvt. Ltd. to manage dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives in the Maldives. The 125-key lifestyle resort is located on a private island near Male. Currently under construction, the new resort will operate under Dusit’s upscale dusitD2 brand when it opens in the fourth quarter. The resort marks Dusit’s first all-inclusive property and its second in the Maldives. The lifestyle resort will feature overwater villas and family suites, a kids club, multiple dining options, a gym, spa and three private beaches along with a smaller ‘picnic beach.’ Leveraging the resort’s proximity to the Male International Airport, the resort’s developers plan to open a resort-based entertainment hub and a convention center, which will also be managed by Dusit. Dusit’s portfolio includes 300 properties under eight brands across 18 countries.
HILTON, RESORTPASS PARTNERSHIP: Hilton has partnered with ResortPass, the platform for booking day access to Hilton’s resort and hotel amenities. Available in the Americas region, travelers and locals can access amenities and perks at participating Hilton beach resorts and urban getaways. Aimed at those looking for daytime visits to resorts and hotels in locations such as Florida, Hawaii, Mexico and more, Hilton and ResortPass offer booking day access to hotel and resort pools, cabanas and spas, with each participating property offering curated packages.
HANDWRITTEN COLLECTION’S FIRST IN THE U.S.: Handwritten Collection, Accor’s newest brand, is set to open its first property in the U.S. Accor has unveiled Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection in San Francisco. Owned and operated by San Francisco-based Frame Ventures, the European-style boutique hotel was built in 1910 and has undergone a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. The hotel features 94 rooms and will launch a new European-style café cum bar this summer. Hotel Stratford marks Accor’s third hotel in San Francisco.
IHG SIGNS KIMPTON IN AUSTRALIA: IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to open its first managed luxury hotel in Brisbane, following the signing of an agreement with Kokoda Property to launch Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants brand in Teneriffe in 2028. The new luxury hotel will be situated in Brisbane’s Teneriffe neighborhood and will be a part of Kokoda’s $1.5 billion mixed-use development, which will include a hospitality and retail amenity, offices and residential towers in a lifestyle precinct. Kimpton Teneriffe will have 155 rooms, including marquee suites, a 200-seat signature restaurant and bar, spa, fitness center and 618 square meters of event space. The hotel will have waterfront access and views, including an infinity pool overlooking the Brisbane River and an open-air terrace bar. IHG currently has 53 hotels under eight brands across Australia, with 19 more properties in the pipeline (including Kimpton Teneriffe).
HOTEL HERRINGBONE OPENS: Hotel Herringbone has opened in Waco, Texas. San Diego-based RAD LAB collaborated with FreeForm Development, Lucky Find Hospitality and chef and restaurateur Corey McEntyre to acquire and revitalize a former shipping container development, which spans an entire city block, to reopen as the upscale boutique hotel. Hotel Herringbone features 21 rooms, over 30,000 square feet of space for F&B, music, art, retail and events. The hotel’s interiors were led by Taylor Leage. The hotel includes four dining venues, 15,000 square feet of public plaza with 12 retail spaces and multiple spaces for events.