NEOM ANNOUNCES WELLNESS RETREAT: NEOM, the sustainable development in northwest Saudi Arabia, has unveiled Elanan, a wellness luxury retreat amid nature. Located along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline, Elanan will feature 80 rooms and suites. Designed with wellbeing at its core, the nature resort will take a modern approach to wellness and offer a range of signature facilities. The resort will have a contemporary aesthetic with a unique architectural design. Elanan will include swimming pools, specialty fine dining, a sun garden and an observation tower. The announcement of the retreat follows recent announcements of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun and Xaynor, all of which are sustainable tourism destinations within the Gulf of Aqaba.
MCR TO ACQUIRE LONDON’S BT TOWER: MCR, one of the biggest hotel owner-operators in the U.S., will acquire the BT Tower, one of London’s tallest buildings, from BT Group. MCR has agreed to purchase the 620-foot tower and podium, which spans one entire city block, freehold. The purchase price was not disclosed. MCR will collaborate with London-based Heatherwick Studio to convert the tower into a hotel and open it to the public. BT Group will take some years to vacate the tower, offering time for the design development and engagement with local communities before announcing proposals for the building. Opened in 1965, the iconic tower is listed Grade II importance by England’s Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission. Operated by BT Group, BT Tower served as a hub for the U.K.’s communication networks and was open to the public until 1971, featuring a restaurant on its revolving top floor.
TRIBE VENTURES INTO ITALY: TRIBE, part of Ennismore, has ventured into the Italian market with the opening of TRIBE Milano Malpensa. The opening is part of the brand’s growth strategy of expanding to 50 properties globally in the next five years. TRIBE Milan Malpensa has 240 rooms, a gym, a heated swimming pool and an outdoor garden, along with the signature Social Hub, which includes a café-cum-bar concept. The hotel also features a grab-and-go kiosk, a lounge and co-working spaces.
MERCURE TO DUBAI: Mercure, part of Accor, has expanded its presence in the Middle East with the opening of the Mercure Dubai Deira. The hotel officially opened on January 19 and is located by the Gold Souk Metro station, close to the Dubai International Airport. The 152-room hotel includes multiple dining options, a rooftop lounge, meeting rooms, outdoor terraces, a fitness center and a rooftop infinity pool with views of the Dubai skyline.
MUY’ONO ADDS IN BELIZE: Muy’ono Resorts, the Austin-based hotel management company, has opened its latest addition — The Watermark Belize Hotel. Located in San Pedro, Belize, the hotel features a mix of premium rooms and curated vacation packages, along with two restaurant and bar concepts and 3,000 square feet of event space. The hotel includes a rooftop pool with views of San Pedro and the Belize Barrier Reef, a spa and a fitness center. As part of The Watermark’s pledge to the community, the hotel will contribute $1 BZ per guest night to the San Pedro Roman Catholic School through the Muy’Ono Resorts Nightly Donation program.