MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA—Carbon-neutral Hotel Belmar in Costa Rica has unveiled its thoughtful room renovations completed this summer. The redesigned rooms harmonize the property’s focus on its unique natural setting while providing guests with the modern comforts they desire. Local designers with Costa Rica’s NAAS Interior Culture led the project, redefining the guest experience with a subtle balance between contemporary design and the hotel’s forest surroundings. Rooms feature natural materials, such as wood, and a palette of subdued colors to create a warm and welcoming environment. Nearly all of the ecolodge’s 26 rooms were renovated. Mid Century Modern elements and furniture provide clean lines and functionality...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Arlo Hotels, the independent lifestyle hotel brand with properties in New York, Chicago and Miami, announced that the highly anticipated Arlo Washington DC will officially open on November 18, 2024. Located within the heart of downtown D.C., within walking distance of Penn Quarter, Judiciary Square and Capitol Hill, the hotel is surrounded by the city’s top attractions, including the National Mall, museums, the convention center, and top dining, shopping and entertainment venues. The property is Arlo Hotels’ seventh location and its first in the nation’s capital. “We are thrilled to bring Arlo Hotels to Washington, D.C., a city known for its...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Dr. Whitney Roban, Ph.D., a leading sleep expert, to launch a new sleep enhancing program designed to support the wellness routines of its guests, specifically those who experience “First Night Effect.” According to Dr. Roban, research has shown that when individuals travel to unfamiliar environments, such as hotel rooms, one half of the brain enters into a hyper-vigilant state. This increased alertness disrupts the natural sleep cycle, particularly impacting the crucial slow wave deep sleep stage. This phenomenon is known as the “First Night Effect.” Dr. Roban has identified...

DENVER—Populus, the urban hotel that blends nature-inspired design with environmentally conscious hospitality to put the health of the planet first, is now open in downtown Denver. Developed by Urban Villages, a leading real estate developer and environmental steward, and managed by Aparium Hotel Group, a pioneer in the lifestyle hotel industry, Populus crafts an inspired and exciting guest experience centered on mindful hospitality through its 265 guestrooms; flexible meeting and event spaces; two distinct restaurants—Pasque, an all-day dining destination and Stellar Jay, a lively rooftop restaurant and bar; and iconic Aspen tree-inspired design by AD100 architecture firm, Studio Gang. Not only are all...

LAAMU ATOLL, MALDIVES—Six Senses Laamu commemorates the one-year anniversary of its Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL), highlighting the resort’s steadfast dedication to marine conservation and environmental education. In March 2023, Six Senses Laamu unveiled the SHELL on its sunset beach, marking a pivotal milestone in the journey toward fostering environmental awareness and education. The 2,336 square-foot (217 square-meter) immersive exhibition space invites resort guests, hosts, and Maldivian residents to explore and learn about the colorful and vibrant local marine life. Investing further in marine conservation, the SHELL houses a working marine laboratory run by the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI),...

BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA—Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is now open, emerging as the newest and most captivating retreat in the luxurious Bora Bora. Having recently completed an extensive property-wide renovation and rebrand, The Westin Bora Bora is nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Otemanu, boasting the largest collection of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, alongside expansive beachside villas. “We are excited to unveil this property as the first resort to open in Bora Bora since 2017, bringing the dream of Bora Bora alive like never before,” said César Marques, General Manager of The Westin Bora Bora Resort...

PENNSYLVANIA—Situated on a sprawling wooded ridge at the confluence of the Allegheny and Clarion rivers, Six Senses RiverStone Estate will mark the next chapter in one of the region’s cultural and architectural treasures. Marking the latest milestone in the brand’s entry into the Americas market, this picturesque country estate will echo the Six Senses ethos of wellness and sustainability, while offering guests and owners a community for connection and reflection. Located outside the quaint Western Pennsylvania town of Foxburg, just 90 minutes north of Pittsburgh, the property is in close proximity to three private airports and a quick getaway from...

HELSINKI—Increasing wood construction is one way to build a more sustainable future and achieve Helsinki’s target of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030. Designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects, Katajanokan Laituri is an impressive new solid wood building on Helsinki’s shoreline that complements the city’s signature skyline right next to the Market Square. The building houses the head office of Finnish forest industry company Stora Enso and the new design hotel Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, which aims to be the most sustainable hotel in Finland. With the upcoming Museum of Architecture and Design, the area is developing into an exciting new...

MIDWAY, UTAH—Derived from the Aztec definition of “a place where the healing water flows,” AMEYALLI is the only well-being and longevity-focused community built around natural geothermal springs. The property was designed in collaboration with Deepak Chopra and the Chopra Foundation and sits just 40 minutes from the Salt Lake City Airport while neighboring Park City and Deer Valley, providing easy access for ski enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The property's first model home—featured in Phase One of AMEYALLI residence sales—will be completed in June 2024. Located minutes from one of the world’s top ski resorts, AMEYALLI is tucked away in the...

KYOTO, JAPAN—Six Senses Kyoto has opened its doors, marking the brand’s entry into Japan. Conveniently situated among the iconic heritage shrines and palaces within the ancient capital, Six Senses Kyoto invites guests to both an epicenter and an escape, to enjoy holistic wellness, signature sustainability and out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Six Senses Kyoto marks a historic milestone of taking the Six Senses brand into new frontiers, while continuing to enrich IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio—now the second largest in the world. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the Heian period (794 to 1185), when Heian-kyo (now Kyoto) was the capital of Japan, considered...