MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton announced the opening of the Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton, a boutique estate with 21 villas and deluxe rooms brimming with the charm of an Ecuadorian Hacienda. Secluded on a 160-hectare estate in the lush Miconia Highland Forests adjacent to Galapagos National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Curio Collection by Hilton’s newest tranquil sanctuary is a haven for serenity and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. “Debuting in a destination that organically welcomes travelers to connect with nature, dream and discover, this momentous opening marks the first international hotel brand in the Galapagos Islands, while making Ecuador the...

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO—Palmaïa—The House of AïA, a holistic wellness retreat in Rivera Maya, Mexico, known for its transformative Progressive Wellness concept, is excited to share the appointment of Chef Carlos Carrion Garcia, a, pioneer in plant-based food. Better known as “Chef Charly,” he is known for his deep layers of flavor with textures most people would think are impossible to achieve with plants. The addition of Chef Charly to the team will push Palmaïa’s culinary team past the boundaries of healthy food beyond the conventional way of thinking. Chef Charly founded Charly’s Vegan Tacos, in Tulum and Wynwood, Miami. “Charly’s”...

NEW YORK—Two new bird species have been identified on the nearly 7-acre green roof of the Javits Center, a unique wildlife sanctuary on Manhattan’s West Side. With the observation of the two new bird species this spring, Killdeer and Ovenbird, a total of 37 bird species have been identified on the green roof since 2014, as well as five bat species and thousands of arthropods (insects). Led by the New York Convention Center Development Corp. (NYCCDC), the construction of the 6.75-acre green roof—the largest of its kind in New York State—was part of a major five-year renovation of the...

GREENVILLE, S.C.—The world’s first health-focused, specialty-grade coffee brand, Purity Coffee, recently announced a product rebranding to better highlight the company’s mission to improve the world’s health, one cup of coffee at a time. Purity Coffee’s team unveiled a new packaging to suit the renaming of its selection of coffees, with the addition of a new roast. The change aligns with Purity’s mission to provide people access to specialty-grade, mold-free, antioxidant-rich, and organic coffees. In their announcement, Purity Coffee founder and CEO, Andrew Salisbury says, “Over the last six years, we’ve learned so much from our customers, our lab testing, our farmers,...

NAPA VALLEY, CALIF.—Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection opened recently on 712 acres of vineyards and ranch land. Linked to hundreds of miles of biking trails, with incredible natural scenery, Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection enables active engagement with the land, invigorating culinary moments, and the discovery of local artisans and exclusive wines, while unearthing the full potential of every guest through immersive wellbeing. A short 50-minute drive from the Bay Area, the hills of Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection are framed by 2.5 miles of Napa River frontage adjacent to the San Pablo Bay Estuary. Founded in 1856 by Judge Edward...

GLENVIEW, ILL.—ITW Food Equipment Group has earned the nation’s highest honor for energy efficiency for the 15th consecutive year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy recently announced that it has awarded ITW Food Equipment Group its Energy Star Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Award for 2022. By maintaining a focus on energy savings and efficiency in the manufacturing of food equipment from its family of premium brands—Hobart, Traulsen, Vulcan, Wolf, Baxter and Stero—ITW Food Equipment Group has earned Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence awards since 2010, as well as Energy Star Partner of the Year...

PHILADELPHIA—Aramark, the largest U.S.-based food service provider, announced it is the first contract catering company in the U.S. to sign World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Cool Food Pledge. By signing the Pledge, Aramark is committing to drastically reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the food it serves in the U.S. by 25 percent by 2030. Cutting carbon emissions is a critical component of the company’s sustainability plan, Be Well. Do Well., focused on positively impacting people and the planet. The announcement supports Aramark’s efforts and furthers the company’s journey toward setting science-based targets, including its path to net zero emissions, since...

If you run a foodservice operation at your hotel, and yes that includes breakfast, you should pay attention to the many green products that were featured at this year’s National Restaurant Association Show. The list of exhibitors can be found here. It will take you some time to sift through the list of more than 1,700 companies but the time will be well spent given the opportunities to reduce energy, water, and waste at your hotel—and better protect yourself and your employees. Plus, the list can be sorted in different ways—by pavilions (Organic & Natural) for example, or by...

BANGKOK—Following the successful launch of Climate Warriors to mark Earth Day on April 22, this latest Grow With Six Senses children’s program has grown an extra set of wings at properties around the world. Climate Warriors is built on simple, tangible things children can do and enjoy doing, to combat climate change and play a positive role in their environments and communities. It was first trialed at Vooc Village at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam, as a two-day program with children learning simple eco-friendly habits and experiencing a host of fun activities before achieving their Climate Warrior status in the...

LOS ANGELES—Mogul Hospitality, a venture-backed startup, has announced the launch of Mogul Hotels and Residences, an (ESG) brand powered by a trailblazing elite talent engine. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 11.5 million job openings in the U.S., with an unemployment rate of 3.6 percent. Few industries are suffering the consequences of this labor crisis more than hospitality with 3 to 4 million annual job openings, 70 percent annual turnover, and a 6 percent quit rate. With rising labor costs and customer satisfaction at record lows, hotel CEOs agree that labor is the number one, long-term issue...