BOSTON—CPG Hospitality and Enjoy Group, owners of Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belén, announced the hotel is installing a microgrid controlled, optimized, and managed by Heila Technologies, representing the first of the Marriott chain in Latin America to deploy the technology. The microgrid will allow the hotel to avoid 20.8 tons of CO2 per year, reduce electricity consumption, have energy coverage, and increase resilience against electrical outages. A microgrid is an integrated, low-voltage energy generation and distribution system made of solar panels, storage batteries, energy inverters, and control software that manages the generation, storage, and distribution of the energy produced. Microgrids can be controlled...

SILVERTHORNE, COLO.—The Pad team isn’t just talking about their commitment to sustainability for their new boutique hotel/hostel that opens this summer (July 30) in Silverthorne, Colo., they’re taking action and joining more than 4,000 global sustainability leaders in pledging to adopt a new business model and culture that prioritizes purpose alongside profit. The Pad, a 36-room boutique hotel with hostel-style rooms, was recently certified as a pending B Corp with plans of achieving the full certification when they become eligible after being open for 12 months. The Pad is on track to becoming the first Certified B Corp. in Summit County,...

HILO HAWAII—Soul Community Planet announced the opening of its new SCP Hilo Hotel. The 138-room property brings SCP’s unique brand of holistic hospitality to the Hawaiian Islands. The hotel now is accepting room reservations with the special introductory Aloha SCP offer with rates starting at $245 per night for a limited time only. “We are excited to bring Soul Community Planet to one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The new SCP Hilo Hotel is a wonderful destination in its own right and is an ideal base for adventure-seekers and explorers looking to experience all the Island of Hawaii has to...

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN—In 2017, Scandic and Vasakronan signed an agreement to operate a hotel at the Platinan property in central Gothenburg. Scandic Göteborg Central will open during the second quarter of 2022 just a couple hundred meters from Gothenburg’s central station in the middle of the rapidly-growing Älvstaden area, the largest urban development project in the Nordic region. With its 451 rooms, the hotel will play the largest role in one of Gothenburg’s most spectacular real estate projects. The property will be environmentally certified according to the international LEED system and aims to attain the highest rating, Platinum. This is an important...

FARI ISLANDS, MALDIVES—The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C announced its debut in the Maldives, with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Located on the Fari Islands, an archipelago on the north-eastern tip of North Malé Atoll, the area is famous for its untouched white-sand beaches and brilliant azure waters teeming with marine life. Featuring stunning minimalist architecture, the resort invites guests to embrace the beru, or circle of island life, and welcomes them into a world of exceptional luxury and memorable experiences. “We have long wanted to expand The Ritz-Carlton brand into this iconic luxury destination and are thrilled to evolve...

PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS—While many guests at Atlantis, Paradise Island are enjoying the 141 acres of high-speed water slides, mile-long river ride and 11 swimming pools, others are getting to know the more than 50,000 aquatic animals representing over 250 marine species. They reside in the 8 million gallons of ocean water encompassing 14 lagoons—the largest open-air marine habitat in the world. Those major exhibits are the responsibility of Michelle Liu, Senior Vice President of Marine and Water Park Operations. There is no way around it: the last year has been tough for Atlantis, Paradise Island, just like it has been...

ATLANTA—Element Hotels, part of Marriott International, along with Atlanta based RevPAR Development LLC, recently announced the opening of the Element Atlanta/Buckhead, marking the debut of the stylish and eco-focused hotel brand in Georgia. The hotel, which is in the heart of Buckhead, aims to fuel a balanced life for travelers on the road. Designed for today’s healthy, active traveler, Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with a clean, modern, and bright nature-inspired design philosophy featured throughout the hotel. The Element Atlanta/Buckhead boasts 164 suites including spacious studios and the new, innovative Studio Commons concept consisting of multiple rooms...

SILVERTHORNE, COLO.—The Pad team isn’t just talking about their commitment to sustainability for their new boutique hotel/hostel that opens this summer in Silverthorne, Colo., they’re taking action and joining more than 3,000 global sustainability leaders in pledging to adopt a new business model and culture that prioritizes purpose alongside profit. The Pad, a 36-room boutique hotel with hostel-style rooms, was recently certified as a pending B Corp with plans of achieving the full B Corp certification once they’re eligible after being open for 12 months. The Pad is on track to becoming the first B Corp certified company in Summit...

OAHU, HAWAII—Outrigger Hospitality Group announced a grand new voyage—the $80 million transformation of the brand’s flagship property, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, located directly on the golden sands of world-famous Waikīkī Beach. The investment transforms the resort into a contemporary beachfront retreat, rooted in Hawaiian culture. With a focus on wellness and unmatched hospitality, sophisticated property enhancements include upscale residential-style rooms and suites, chic poolside experiences and a fully reimagined Kani Ka Pila Grille and stage—the home of Hawaiian music. “As a premier beach resort brand, we charted a strategic course to enhance Outrigger’s current portfolio and deliver exceptional, authentic experiences...

WHATCOM COUNTY, WASH.—With the success of its exclusive beachfront resort in Costa Rica, Igloo Mountain Lodge announced its upcoming expansion into the United States. Construction on 50 of its uniquely styled self-check-in air form domes and a geodesic greenhouse used for social space will commence in Washington State in early 2022. Having stayed open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Igloo Mountain Lodge has selected a site in Whatcom County Wash. as the location for its first U.S. branch, costing around $5 million to complete. Visitor spending was $705.7 million in Whatcom County in 2018, with lodging accounting for over 10 percent. The...