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...

EXETER, ENGLAND—A topping out ceremony was recently held for the Zeal Hotel Exeter. The four-star, 142-bedroom hotel, constructed with half the embodied carbon of a standard hotel, will generate 100 percent of electricity consumed via the photovoltaic roof and wall panels, positioning it firmly in line with the 2050 Paris Agreement requirements and exceeding 2030 targets. The building, which achieved the BREEAM Outstanding rating at the design stage, is currently on schedule in week 39 of a 75-week construction program. As a fully sustainable operation, produce will be sourced locally or grown on site, stimulate economic growth through job creation and...

RACINE, WIS.—Dominion Properties, developer of two LEED Platinum multifamily buildings in southeastern Wisconsin, has just achieved LEED Gold for its boutique Hotel Verdant that utilizes geothermal, solar and wind technologies—a renewable energy trifecta not found in any other U.S. hotel. The 80-room property, with a Scandinavian vibe, is located in downtown Racine, Wis., and was once the Zahn’s Department Store building. The building sat empty for 40 years until Dominion Properties transformed it into a business anchor for downtown Racine. Dominion Properties’ Michael O’Connor and his business partner Christopher Adams are the visionaries behind the hotel project. They first met while...

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels, a holistic hospitality company serving those who value wellness, social good and the environment, announced the opening of the Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels, a classic, beachfront experience in one of California’s most iconic destinations. Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, Calif., the 41-room eco surf lodge sits directly on the sand of the town’s legendary beach, an easy walking distance to the acclaimed art galleries, eateries, and boutiques of Laguna Beach village. The hotel immerses guests in the nostalgia of California’s fabled surf scene, while offering modern nature-based wellness experiences, locally...

BANGKOK—An eco-conscious resort, spa, and residential community will soon be coming to a stretch of the South Carolina shores, including Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island, and Bay Point Island. Opening in 2026 and spanning multiple coastal locations, Six Senses South Carolina Islands will be conveniently located just a short distance from the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The hotel management agreement was recently signed by Timothy Pitcher, President of Whitestone, along with partner Redrock Portfolio, Inc., and Six Senses Chief Executive Officer Neil Jacobs and Chief Development Officer Omar Romero, marking the next chapter in a working partnership extending several years. Hilton...

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO—Sandos Hotels & Resorts announced the completion of 336 nature-inspired and family-focused rooms at its Sandos Caracol Eco Resort. The renovated rooms and suites have been integrated into the property’s signature Eco Collection, which offers three categories of jungle-inspired accommodation options. Nestled amidst the Riviera Maya’s lush coastal landscape, the innovative 941-key property invites guests to explore the region’s mesmerizing flora and fauna from the comfort of its latest ecology-conscious suites, specifically designed with families and the environment in mind. Additionally, as part of this phase of the renovation, two reimagined culinary concepts have been introduced at the...

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—Hotel Casa del Mar, located on the beach in Santa Monica, kicked off a new partnership with Schmidt Ocean Institute with an educational luncheon at the hotel’s newest event space, The Conservatory. The iconic hotel welcomed guests to the stunning oceanfront venue last month for a special afternoon learning about the Ocean Rising initiative and Schmidt Ocean Institute’s deep-sea expeditions and latest discoveries. The luncheon was the first of many events that the hotel and Schmidt Ocean Institute have in store for the new year. Guests viewed art from Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Artist-at-Sea program, which brings artists aboard its research vessel to work alongside scientists, and...

XCARET, RIVIERA MAYA—Xcaret announced that Hotel Xcaret Arte, an exclusive award-winning all-inclusive luxury hotel located along the shores of the Mexican Caribbean, has been recognized as a winner in the 2023 Sustainable Luxury Awards. The hotel, which pays homage to Mexican art, invites guests to live art from its creation and immerse themselves in sensorial experiences in sophisticated spaces while promoting a sustainable lifestyle through the innovative All-Fun Inclusive concept. The full list of awards can be found on Sustainable Luxury Awards | Winners. “We are grateful and honored for receiving this prestigious award that recognizes, celebrates, and promotes the most sustainable luxury places...