LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Researchers estimate up to 11 million metric tons of plastic waste is entering the ocean every year and that by 2025, 11 billion metric tons will have accumulated in the environment. As pollution is impacting the marine ecosystems and wildlife around the globe, the charming adults-only Laguna Beach retreat, Hotel Joaquin, is working with Surfrider Foundation to become an official Ocean Friendly Hotel to support efforts in stopping plastic at the source to minimize pollution. Located just steps away from the residential beach of Shaw’s Cove, Hotel Joaquin is committed to cutting out wasteful single-use plastic to make sustainable choices for...

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...

CALGARY, ALBERTA—PBA Group of Companies (PBA) and its partner Concord Hospitality have officially started converting the former 12-storey office building, Canadian Centre into an Element Hotel by Westin. PBA saw an opportunity to satisfy the growing demand for additional room capacity in Downtown Calgary and to drive economic impact. As a 226-suite hotel, with fully furnished extended stay units, and a sophisticated design aesthetic, the Element Hotel will offer guests a warm and hospitable experience infused with cultural touches and elevated details. “We’re honored to help take one of the first steps in transforming our downtown into a differentiated residential and recreational district that serves...

WAILEA, HAWAII—Hawaii’s five-star, five-diamond Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea announces the launch of the Blue Aina guest experience, an addition to the Resort’s Malama Hawaii program. Launching in tandem with National Oceans Month, this new initiative aims to cultivate a sense of ocean conservation and environmental stewardship among guests, providing a unique and educational adventure that underscores the Resort’s unwavering dedication to regenerative travel, tourism, and sustainability. The term “Blue Aina,” translating to “Blue Land,” symbolizes the interconnectedness of land and sea, echoing the shared responsibility to protect and preserve the environment. This ethos embodies the essence of Four Seasons Resort Maui and is reflected in...

LA SAGESSE, GRENADA—Six Senses La Sagesse, the brand’s debut resort in the Caribbean, has opened. With a pride of place beachfront setting, verdant rolling hills and spacious accommodation, the resort’s location offers effortless access to Grenada’s shimmering reefs and mystical rainforests. The island’s incredible natural beauty and soul-connecting cultural experiences provide the perfect backdrop for a journey of discovery, rejuvenation, and celebration. Thomas Fehlbier, General Manager, says: “Grenada is divided into six parishes, and La Sagesse, which is in the South-Eastern parish of St. David, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. It is filled with vibrant energy, and we...

GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA—Rio Perdido, the esteemed eco-luxury boutique hotel tucked away in the vibrantly lush and biodiverse tropical dry forest in the Guanacaste Province of western Costa Rica, introduces the new West Bungalows. Strategically positioned near the breathtaking Rio Blanco Canyon, each bungalow offers an unparalleled connection to nature while providing a haven of comfort, privacy, and tranquility for sustainably minded wellness seekers and adventure travelers looking for a deeply healing forest hideaway. The flagship West Bungalows boast a sophisticated yet understated layout, featuring a spacious roofed area of nearly 950 square feet. Guests will be greeted by a 170-square-foot open-air entrance terrace adorned...

RACINE, WIS.—Hotel Verdant, the newest hotel built in downtown Racine, Wisconsin in decades, has officially earned a LEED Gold Certification for its outstanding sustainable design and operations, including the use of geothermal, solar and wind technologies. The Gold level of the certification solidifies Hotel Verdant as the most sustainable hotel in the state of Wisconsin. The 80-room boutique property, which is managed by the renowned hospitality group Charlestowne Hotels, is a revitalized adaptive reuse project that prioritizes mindful amenities and a positive environmental impact. Formerly the iconic Zahn’s Department Store, the property boasts two on-site food and beverage outlets, Marguerite,...

MALAYSIA—Marriott Hotels, the namesake brand of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, announced the opening of Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa on the island of Perhentian Kecil in Terengganu, on the East Coast of Malaysia. Nestled amidst the beauty of the Perhentian Island Marine Park, the opening of Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa marks the flagship brand’s debut in Terengganu. Through the brand’s rich legacy, the new resort invites guests to discover the irresistible charm of a tropical sanctuary that beckons with the unparallelled natural beauty of marine biodiversity, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a myriad of unforgettable experiences...

CORCOVADO, COSTA RICA—Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a holistic hospitality company serving those who value wellness, social good and the environment, announced the grand opening of SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge (CWL). CWL uniquely sits at the intersection of two thriving ecosystems: Corcovado National Park, which is known as the world’s most biologically intense terrestrial ecosystem, and the Isla del Caño Biologic Reserve, a vibrant marine ecosystem. The all-inclusive 189-acre private reserve is 100 percent off the grid, offering a blend of environmentally conscious accommodations, local and sustainably sourced gourmet cuisine, first-class service, and a range of immersive adventures from professionally guided interpretive...