LONDON—1 Hotels, the nature-inspired mission-driven hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announces the official opening of 1 Hotel Mayfair, its U.K. flagship and first European destination, developed in collaboration with Crosstree Real Estate Partners. Located on a fashionable corner of historic Mayfair overlooking the mature trees of Green Park, 1 Hotel Mayfair brings the beauty of nature to central London through vertical landscapes, sustainable design, farm-to-table food, and nature-inspired immersive experiences. The hotel’s proximity to prestigious galleries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and chic shopping on Bond Street, Mount Street, and Regent Street, plus important landmarks like the Royal Academy of Arts...

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—AURA Technologies, an innovative provider of technology solutions for health, safety, security, and national defense, launched the AURA Ion Bar, a groundbreaking new product category in the indoor air quality space. The Ion Bar is the only system in the world that creates a germ-destroying barrier across any two spaces safely using Negative Air Ions (NAIs). This first-of-its-kind product addresses a critical flaw in current indoor air quality systems by targeting the contamination that occurs in areas where you feel most vulnerable to germs and contaminants—such as conference rooms, elevators, bathrooms, classrooms, and public transport. The AURA Ion Bar...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Headspace announced the expansion of the collaboration between Hyatt and Headspace to continue supporting guests’ wellbeing with new colored noise content for World of Hyatt members and guests. Beginning October 11, Hyatt will be the only hospitality company to offer guests and members a complimentary sampling of relaxing sounds from Headspace’s premium colored noise collection. Available via the World of Hyatt App and in-room televisions at select properties across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, this spectrum of sounds can help one drift off, relax or focus. Whether at home or on the road, those looking to complement...

MCLEAN, VA.—According to a recent global survey conducted by Hilton and Ipsos, travelers say they will reduce other areas of personal spending to prioritize leisure travel in 2024, with a majority across generations indicating their No. 1 reason to travel in 2024 will be to rest and recharge, with more emphasis on sleep than ever before. Those insights and more were unveiled with the launch of Hilton’s third-annual trends report: “What Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X and Baby Boomers Tell Us About Travel in the Year Ahead.” In addition to defining the preferences and passions of the 2024 traveler,...

NATIONAL REPORT—To lead people and organizations successfully in the coming years, leaders need to have a clear understanding of these trends and how to implement them while considering the specific needs of their organizations and the context of their market. In this article, we’ll discuss the top five trends influencing global hospitality businesses, and their leadership, today. And we’ll offer some suggestions for how to get started in these areas, whether with your own ideas and initiatives, or some upskilling and education to get a boost. Digital Leadership & Technology Integration As technology continues to play a significant role in the hospitality...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced a draft of its LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system for existing buildings. LEED v5 is the newest version of LEED. It marks a transformative milestone in the built environment’s alignment with a low-carbon future and addresses critical imperatives such as equity, health, ecosystems, and resilience. The LEED rating system is the world’s preeminent green building certification system, with more than 100,000 projects certified globally. While the launch of LEED v5 begins with existing buildings, LEED v5 for Building Design and Construction (BD+C) will roll out in 2024. In conjunction with the...

It is not something that is common where I live in Florida but yesterday there was an air quality alert due to a cloud of Canadian wildfire smoke that drifted down my way. The smoke originated in British Columbia and Alberta. It traveled thousands of miles to Eastern Canada by circulating winds and then was dragged southward by the remnants of Ophelia, as the storm petered out in the Atlantic Ocean. Wildfire smoke is just one of many environmental factors that impact outdoor air quality, and indoor air quality (IAQ) as well. IAQ was on my mind recently when the Asthma...

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—California lawmakers have advanced a bill to ban the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS from household and institutional cleaners sold in the state. The bill cleared the Legislature and now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature. Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (La Mesa-San Diego) authored Assembly Bill 727 to protect the health of consumers and workers from PFAS. They are known as forever chemicals because they don’t break down, and they pose a health risk to the millions of people exposed to them through cleaners and many other products. If enacted, the ban would take effect on January 1, 2026, and make California the...

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND—Real estate investor and developer Lamington Group is adding to its pioneering eco hometel brand with the opening of room2 Belfast, the fourth outpost, and first property outside England, set to open October 16. The new property will consist of 175 rooms across nine floors as well as a vibrant café, tearoom, meeting and event spaces, a gym, bar, restaurant and a spacious lounge available for both guests and locals alike looking for a vibrant eco-friendly space to work, relax or simply catch up with friends. Keeping in line with Lamington Group’s commitment to sustainability, the fully electric room2...

BANGKOK—Six Senses Porto Heli will bring the brand’s trademark wellness and sustainability ethos to the elegant Ermioni in the Greek Peloponnese, with the famous islands of Spetses and Hydra within view. The spot is surrounded by protected coves and bays enjoying the clear waters of the Aegean and is known for its yacht-filled marinas, palatial summer villas, sun-kissed Mediterranean landscape, fine dining, and boutique stores. Historically, the Peloponnese has been the main field of action for Greece since prehistoric times, hosting important archaeological sites, including Olympia, Epidaurus, and Mycenae. Located 124 miles from Athens, Porto Heli has evolved from a...