BHUTAN—Less than six months after the opening of the “Traditional Birdwatching Bridge” in Gangtey, Six Senses Bhutan has opened its fifth and final lodge, Six Senses Bumthang. This opening marks the completion of a circuit that will take guests on a journey across the western and central valleys of the Kingdom. As the gateway to the east and the site of some of the country’s earliest settlements, Bumthang is considered as Bhutan’s spiritual heartland and is home to some of its most ancient monasteries and sacred monuments. This region is known for its four valleys, covered in pristine forests and meandering rivers,...

HOUSTON—The Westin Houston Medical Center is the first and only hotel in the United States to utilize LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots to sanitize and disinfect its guestrooms and common areas to help combat the threat of coronavirus. The room disinfection technology, provided by San Antonio-based Xenex Disinfection Services, was developed by two epidemiologists in Houston, with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center as their first customer. The Westin Houston Medical Center purchased two of the decontaminating robots, which are already at work sanitizing rooms inside the building. LightStrike robots have been proven to quickly destroy viruses, bacteria, and fungi using...

LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council says up to 50 million jobs in the travel and tourism sector are at risk due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “WTTC figures show the stark impact on the travel and tourism sector of the present COVID-19 outbreak with analysis now suggesting that up to 50 million jobs are at risk in the sector globally. When the time is right, WTTC and the global private sector will be ready to help and support the government and countries to recover.” Latest figures from WTTC, which represents the global travel...

NANTUCKET, MASS.—GSN Planet (GSN) announced the winners and runners-up of the 2019 Sustainability Awards. The 2019 Transformation in Sustainability Award was given to companies and individuals that/who utilize sustainable practices that are healthy for people and planet, save or preserve natural resources, utilize sustainable materials, and/or implement innovative and groundbreaking techniques, services, or programming. The Awards dinner and ceremony took place during GSN’s 2020 Congress at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. The Sustainability Awards recognize the innovations and outstanding accomplishments related to transformation in the field of sustainability within the wellness industry. An independent judging...

Whether you realize it or not, you are deeply involved in the wellness movement. If you do not provide an environment in your guestrooms that is conducive to sleep, your wellness score? Zero. How do your guestrooms stack up when it comes to Circadian Health? Yes, there is such a thing and it was the number one 2020 Global Wellness Trend, according to the Global Wellness Institute. Believe it or not, New York City’s Equinox Hotel has sleep coaches who analyze a guest’s circadian rhythm state. (I would love to see the resumé of a sleep coach. “GREAT at napping.”...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Registration is now open for HD Expo + Conference 2020, North America’s largest event for hospitality design. A bold, experiential showcase of products, services, and industry thought leaders will return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from May 5 to 7, 2020, setting the stage for never-before-seen innovations, interactive experiences and insightful educational programming. “HD Expo is the stage for next-generation product innovations shaping the hospitality design industry,” said Kevin Gaffney, Vice President and Group Show Director for HD Expo. “It is a must-attend event that creates long-lasting professional connections, sparks ideas and inspiration, and pushes...

LONDON—Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has released its annual Luxury Travel Trends Report, looking ahead at what will be shaping the luxury boutique experience in the coming year. From bio-architecture and conscience-free cuisine to dispersed hotels and ultimate relaxation methods, the report has been crafted from the creative, inspiring and novel elements introduced by the luxury brand’s more than 520 independent hotels that together reflect the emergence of a movement or burgeoning trend. For 2020, these small, nimble and progressive hotels continue to set the standard for luxury in the ever-changing travel landscape. The full report is...

DEPOE BAY, ORE.—Soul Community Planet (SCP), a Holistic Hospitality company providing fair-priced lodging centered on the values of personal wellness, social good and the environment, announced the newly renovated SCP Depoe Bay has opened. Located near many of Oregon’s top surf breaks, most picturesque shorelines and best fishing, the new lodge features bohemian-style guestrooms, a communal coworking space, fitness and yoga studio, and Provisions market. “Each SCP venue uniquely embodies the values of Soul, Community and Planet,” said Soul Community Planet Co-Founder and CEO Ken Cruse. “SCP Depoe Bay has been renovated into an intimate surf lodge—ideal for coastal adventure-seekers...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Violet Defense Group announced that it has raised an additional $2 million in funding for its germ-killing business, Violet Defense and its agricultural lighting business, Violet Gro. This round of capital was led by Kirenaga Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm with offices in New York and Orlando, Fla. “This infusion of additional capital will enable us to take both companies to their next level of growth, including further build-out of our management team and the product inventory necessary to accelerate the rich pipeline of opportunities that are developing for our products,” added Terrance Berland, CEO of Violet Defense Group. Violet Defense...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Garden, part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,200 hotels in over 80 countries, showcased Arbor: a cost-effective, new-construction prototype with a fresh perspective on guest experience and a smart layout designed to maximize efficiencies and challenge rising construction costs. As part of Wyndham’s efforts to maximize value for owners, Arbor aims to reduce construction costs while enriching the guest experience. The four-story, 110-room prototype is inspired by the harmony of nature, bringing the outside in with elements of dappled light, textured wood, natural fabrics and flexible outdoor space. The...