Author: Kai Lennox

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…

Adventure operator Intrepid Travel has announced a significant partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), donating $50,000 through its nonprofit arm, the Intrepid Foundation. This collaboration aims to support the preservation of national parks amid looming financial threats. The initiative arises as the National Park Service (NPS) faces potential cuts of $900 million in the proposed 2026 federal budget, marking what could become the most substantial reduction in NPS history. Should this budget be approved, approximately 350 national park sites could face closure, jeopardizing countless jobs and local businesses that rely on tourism. Intrepid Travel plays an essential role…

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has officially unveiled a cutting-edge booking and management platform designed specifically for travel advisors. This innovative portal provides agents access to an extensive portfolio of over 600 luxury hotels around the globe, streamlining the reservation process and enhancing service delivery. Enhanced Features for Travel Advisors Travel advisors can now leverage the new portal to manage reservations, generate quotes, and track performance metrics seamlessly. This robust platform is tailored to meet the needs of modern advisors, enhancing productivity and simplifying the booking process. Easy Access to Luxury Hotels The advisor portal connects agents with a diverse range…

The discussion includes Dean Nelson of Departures, Stacy Ritter of Visit Lauderdale, Folo host Rebecca Tobin, and Travel Weekly news editor Johanna Jainchill as they explore how the U.S. political landscape is reshaping LGBTQ+ travel. Subscribe to our podcast for insights: This week’s discussion centers around the annual “Focus on LGBTQ+” travel cover story. A key aspect of this year’s report, titled “A Chill in the Air for Pride,” examines why some international LGBTQ travelers are reconsidering their trips to the U.S., particularly amidst Pride festivities and other travel plans. The conversation includes insights from Dean Nelson of Departures by…

Marriott International has expressed confidence despite concerns about a potential decrease in travel from Mexico and Canada. The hotel chain has reported impressive fourth-quarter results, underscoring a robust performance that indicates resilience in the face of external challenges. This optimistic outlook is further supported by ongoing advancements in technology aimed at enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiencies. Q4 Performance: A Strong Revenue Surge Marriott’s recent financial results reveal a significant uptick in revenue during the fourth quarter, driven mainly by a rise in travel demand across various segments. This positive momentum can be attributed to a combination of tourism revival…

Intrepid Travel Expands Portfolio with Boutique Acquisitions in Tasmania and Marrakech In a strategic move to enhance its accommodation offerings, Intrepid Travel has announced the acquisition of two boutique properties: the scenic Edge of the Bay in Tasmania and a traditional riad situated in Marrakech. These acquisitions exemplify Intrepid’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism and community engagement. The Edge of the Bay: A Coastal Paradise Located near Coals Bay, Tasmania, the Edge of the Bay is a charming 20-room coastal resort that boasts stunning views of Wineglass Bay. Nestled on 18 acres adjacent to Freycinet National Park, this property offers…

Hyatt has recently announced a strategic shift aimed at diversifying its offerings to include mid-market hotels, a move that reflects its response to the current economic landscape. This decision aligns with the company’s objective to cushion its portfolio against fluctuations associated with economic downturns. As travel behaviors continue to evolve, Hyatt is increasingly recognizing the significance of catering to a broader consumer base. Expanding Beyond Luxury and Premium Segments In an effort to mitigate risks linked to economic uncertainties, Hyatt is developing its mid-market hotel segment. This initiative acknowledges that consumers seeking value are more prevalent, especially during challenging economic…

A new cruise tax will be implemented in Greece starting July 1, 2024, aimed at managing the increasing number of visitors to popular destinations. This initiative affects cities like Mykonos and Santorini, where the tax will be set at 20 euros per passenger during the peak summer season, from July 1 to September 30. As the season transitions into October, the tax will decrease to 12 euros. From November through March, a winter rate of just 4 euros will apply. The tax reverts to 12 euros in the months leading up to summer, only to peak again at 20 euros…