PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA—Nestled within one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has officially opened its doors, offering discerning travelers a secluded, ultra-luxury retreat amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Named after the Chorotega word for “lush garden,” Nekajui marks a monumental milestone as the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Central and South America and the eighth addition to the brand’s exclusive portfolio. Located on Peninsula Papagayo, a 1,400-acre canvas of dry tropical forest atop coastal cliffs, Nekajui’s collection of 107 thoughtfully designed ocean-facing rooms, suites, and three luxury treetop tents seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living while celebrating Costa...

NATIONAL REPORT—Packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs), properly maintained, are a reliable source for heating and cooling hotel guestrooms and other small spaces for up to seven to 10 years. Not properly maintained, and especially in higher-humidity environments, PTACs have a shorter life and can keep hoteliers—and guests—up at night and be the reason for negative reviews and lost room revenue. It is at the “end of their life” that PTACS truly become problematic. Do you send a PTAC to a landfill? Nathan Faircloth, Director/Business Development & Vendor Management, RoomOne Solutions, says the landfill option is not a good one for...

FONTANELLATO, ITALY & PLYMOUTH, MINN.—A new era for sustainable coffee begins with KEYGEA, the innovative compostable single-serve pod born from the synergy between FLO Group, a leading European player in the vending and food packaging sector, and NatureWorks, the world’s largest producer of PLA-based biopolymers. Designed to meet the growing demand for renewable solutions in the North American market, KEYGEA combines sustainability and outstanding performance, ensuring flawless coffee extraction without compromise on quality. Made with Ingeo PLA, a biopolymer derived from renewable resources, KEYGEA is a sustainable innovation for the future of coffee and a true revolution in the pod industry. It’s certified...

ANN ARBOR, MICH.—NSF, a leading global public health and safety organization, announced the launch of NSF Certification Guideline 537: PFAS-Free Products for Nonfood Compounds and Food Equipment Materials (NSF 537). The new guideline leverages NSF’s extensive laboratory and testing capabilities to confirm that products are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic or man-made materials that resist degradation also known as “forever chemicals.” Due to their oil and water-repellant properties, PFAS are often used to make water or stain-resistant, nonstick and grease-proof products, including consumer goods, food equipment and nonfood compounds such as food-safe lubricants, cleaners...

VENICE, ITALY—The St. Regis Venice, the embodiment of historic elegance and modern luxury on the Grand Canal, is the recipient of Green Key certification, awarded by The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Established in 1999, Green Key is considered a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. “We are incredibly proud to achieve the Green Key certification,” said Audrey Huttert, General Manager at The St. Regis Venice. “Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our operations, from pioneering initiatives such as being the first hotel in Venice to install electric charging stations...

CHICAGO—The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show announces the 2025 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award winners, recognizing the most groundbreaking advancements in foodservice equipment and technology. These award-winning products address critical industry challenges, from streamlining kitchen workflows to improving sustainability and consistency, setting new standards for efficiency and performance. The 2025 KI recipients will be on display in the Kitchen Innovations Showroom, where attendees can explore solutions designed to enhance operations and drive growth. The Show, taking place May 17 to 20, 2025, brings together a comprehensive cross-section of the foodservice industry—from equipment dealers and quick-service operators to educational institutions and...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Grazzy, a leading digital tipping platform, has joined with U.S. Bank to offer a prepaid debit card program for hourly employees to easily access tips. Employers enrolled with Grazzy’s digital tip service, and the prepaid debit card program can issue employees a physical debit card and route tips and wages to the card, enabling access to tipped wages at the end of each shift. Like the Grazzy digital tip service, the U.S. Bank prepaid debit card program helps reduce costs for the employer and provides security and convenience for tipped employees. Paired with Grazzy’s cashless tipping platform, the debit...

BETHESDA, MD.—The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, announces a new brand partnership with MAD Academy, the trailblazing nonprofit organization founded by chef René Redzepi, recipient of three MICHELIN Stars, with a focus on transforming food systems through the people who work in food and hospitality across the globe. With more than 120 hotels and resorts across over 40 countries and territories, The Luxury Collection boasts a diverse global portfolio that connects guests to the distinctive wonders of their destination. Through its immersive collaboration with MAD Academy, The Luxury Collection aims to create a scalable...

SURAT THANI, THAILAND—Lodge manager and chef, George Newling-Ward, has once again transformed the food and beverage offering at a popular southern Thai ecolodge—Anurak Community Lodge beside Khao Sok national park in southern Thailand. His aim is to make food and drink at Anurak Lodge a reason to visit as much as hiking, biking, kayaking and planting trees in one of the most visually spectacular nature settings in southeast Asia. After a previous stint as manager at the ecolodge between 2018 and 2022, Newling-Ward, an acclaimed chef from the British Virgin Islands, returned to Anurak Community Lodge in October 2024. His motivation, second...

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII—Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection property on Hawaii’s Kohala Coast, has completed the first phase of its $200 million renovation and unveiled its on-property garden, created to redefine coastal dining with a transformative culinary experience. By blending the island’s abundant variety of fresh local vegetables, herbs, and fruit with innovative culinary techniques at Manta restaurant, the newly reinvigorated oceanfront venue introduces a new concept: a hyper-farm-to-table menu sourced directly from the resort’s “Ulu Garden.” This results in bold interpretations of classic Hawaiian cuisine. Nestled within the resort, the Ulu Garden is a testament to Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s commitment to...