Author: Kai Lennox

Photo courtesy of Hanalei Colony Resort. Hanalei, a peaceful and picturesque town located on Kauai’s lush north shore, is a hidden gem for those seeking serenity. The Hanalei Colony Resort lies just 10-15 minutes away, accessible via winding roads that cross several one-way bridges, each leading to stunning beaches and vibrant mountain landscapes. Why Choose Hanalei Colony Resort? If a tranquil, retro-style escape is on your radar, this is the destination for you. Embrace the serenity and natural beauty that make Kauai arguably the most breathtaking island in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Hanalei Colony Resort. The resort features 13 two-story…

Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have launched a revamped initiative for travel advisors known as the Sandals Elite Advisor (S.E.A.) Program. This innovative program has been designed to enhance the relationship between travel agencies and Sandals, offering a variety of tools, support systems, and rewards that recognize the loyalty of advisors. Tiered Benefits and Loyalty Rewards At the heart of the S.E.A. Program is a tiered status system that incentivizes travel advisors to register commissionable bookings of three nights or more. This structure not only promotes growth but also rewards consistent engagement, allowing advisors to access exclusive benefits as they…

KHM Travel Group Enhances DEI Efforts with New Appointment KHM Travel Group, a leading host agency based in Brunswick, Ohio, has appointed travel advisor Marcus Williams as its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) specialist. This strategic move aims to bolster the agency’s ongoing efforts in promoting inclusivity and diversity within the travel industry, a focus underscored by KHM’s ranking of No. 42 on Travel Weekly’s Power List. Image Credit: KHM Travel Group – Marcus Williams In his new role, Williams will lead KHM’s existing DEI Committee and organize quarterly meetings aimed at enhancing engagement and collaboration. He will liaise with…

Hyatt Hotels Corp. is expanding its presence in the all-inclusive sector with a bold acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts for a staggering USD $2.6 billion (CAD $3.73 billion). This strategic move could reshape the luxury travel landscape and enhance Hyatt’s portfolio significantly. Expansion into All-Inclusive Resorts Playa Hotels & Resorts currently owns or oversees 24 premium properties located primarily in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, boasting a total of 8,627 rooms. Many of these resorts operate under renowned brands such as Hilton, Wyndham, IHG, and Marriott, alongside Hyatt. The future of these properties remains uncertain following the acquisition.…

Melia Casa Maya from above. Step into luxury at the newly opened Meliá Casa Maya, where an inviting gentleman named Victor Salazar, your personal butler, welcomes you with a warm “Bienvenido a casa.” Located in the heart of Cancun, this upscale resort promises a refreshing getaway, perfectly complementing Meliá Hotels International’s extensive portfolio. Guests at the grand opening ceremony of Meliá Casa Maya. This resort, which had its soft launch in December and officially opened on February 8, 2025, is not just an addition to Cancun’s hotel landscape but a significant enhancement, demonstrating Meliá’s commitment to quality hospitality in Mexico.…

For years, Gambia has been recognized primarily as a serene beach getaway in West Africa. However, its reputation is evolving as the country emerges as a destination renowned for conservation and a rich cultural landscape. Recently, the Gambia Tourism Board launched an extensive marketing initiative, supported by the World Bank’s Tourism Diversification and Resilience Project, to position Gambia as a premier ecotourism destination. “The global tourism landscape is changing, and The Gambia is adapting accordingly,” asserts Abubacarr Camara, director of the tourism board. He emphasized that while beach tourism remains a hallmark, there is a concerted effort to harness the…

Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently released its financial results for the fourth quarter (Q4) and the entire 2024 fiscal year, showcasing impressive revenue growth amid robust expansion efforts. This positive trend can largely be attributed to strategic acquisitions and the effective implementation of their loyalty program. Financial Growth Highlights For Q4 2024, Hyatt experienced a 5.0% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR), contributing to a 4.6% growth for the full year, compared to 2023. While these figures are commendable, the company did face challenges, reporting a net loss of $56 million in Q4. Despite this setback, the full-year net income…

A recent transformation has taken place at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s stunning north shore. Having undergone an extensive renovation, this resort has reopened to the public as a luxurious and eco-friendly retreat. Originally a St. Regis hotel, it was purchased by Starwood Capital in 2018 for $225 million, followed by an impressive $300 million renovation. The resort’s modern aesthetic and new amenities promise an unforgettable experience for travelers. A Fresh Look and Feel The new design features a striking open-air lobby adorned with a majestic waterfall and vibrant tropical flora, creating a distinctive atmosphere that reflects the beauty…

An aerial view of some of the villas at Six Senses La Sagesse CREDIT Six Senses Experience the Charm of Grenada at Six Senses La Sagesse Upon arrival at Six Senses La Sagesse, visitors are greeted with a unique welcome ritual led by guest experience maker Rockel Horsford. This engaging introduction highlights Grenada’s rich spice culture with an aromatic showcase of local ingredients like ginger, turmeric, butterfly pea, and nutmeg. Setting Intentions with Local Spices During the arrival ritual, guests are invited to explore the fragrant spices and think about their intentions for their stay. “I want you to think…

The recent decision by Hyatt to acquire Playa Resorts has generated a plethora of responses from industry experts, raising important discussions about the implications for travelers and the broader market. This acquisition, anticipated to enhance operational efficiencies and improve guest experiences, brings both optimism and apprehension. Balancing Improvement with Individuality With Hyatt’s extensive resources and reputation in the hospitality sector, many industry analysts believe that the merger could lead to enhanced service quality and new amenities for guests. The expectation is that Hyatt will leverage its experience to modernize and expand Playa’s offerings, potentially improving guest satisfaction. However, this expectation…