2023 might be coming to a close, but resort updates and openings are still in full swing. Let’s look back at some of the most exciting developments in the travel world in Q3.
Recently Opened
Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club, Tulum
After much anticipation, Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club welcomed its first guests in early October 2023. The newest addition to the Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt, the stunning all-inclusive resort marks the expansion of the Inclusive Collection’s presence in Mexico to a total of 44 resorts, and Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club is the 12th Secrets Resort & Spa-branded property in the region.
A Junior Suite Swim Out room and terrace at Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club. (Photo courtesy of Hyatt)
The new adults-only property features 300 suites and private villas and is outfitted in nature-inspired designs that perfectly align with the laid-back vibe of beautiful Tulum. From its location in downtown’s luxurious Aldea Zama residential complex, guests are just minutes from popular attractions including Secrets Tulum Beach Club and ancient ruins. As for culinary offerings, visitors can enjoy eight dining options — including three a la carte gourmet restaurants — in addition to 24-hour room service and four bars and lounges located throughout the property.
Tempo by Hilton Times Square
In August 2023, Tempo by Hilton Times Square New York City opened its doors to visitors for the first time. Located in TSX Broadway, a 46-story mixed-use tower, the swanky new hotel features 661 rooms and is the first property under Hilton’s stylish and contemporary lifestyle brand, Tempo by Hilton. In addition to beautiful, modern rooms, Tempo by Hilton Times Square New York City boasts a moody cocktail lounge with outdoor seating, a top-of-the-line fitness center complete with Tempo by Hilton Wellness Rooms and sweeping views of world-famous Times Square.
The entryway to Tempo by Hilton Times Square New York City (Photo courtesy of Hilton
“Tempo by Hilton speaks to how we innovate our brands at Hilton each and every day,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer for Hilton. “From rooms designed to cater to our guests’ wellbeing, to an array of culinary offerings designed for the health-conscious traveler, Tempo by Hilton ensures an expanded wellness experience for our guests and reflects the ongoing growth of our lifestyle brands that are reshaping the traditional hotel experience.”
Raffles London at The OWO, London
Located within an ornate Grade II Edwardian Baroque building in Whitehall, London, the newly opened Raffles London at the OWO promises guests a glamorous stay with its 120 spacious guest rooms and suites. Wondering what OWO stands for? This unique hotel is breathing new life into The Old War Office (OWO), a space formerly used to house military and government officials in the early 1990s, before recently undergoing a six-year restoration and taking the form we see today.
An exterior shot of Raffles London at the OWO. (Photo courtesy of Accor)
In addition to its homey rooms and lavishly decorated suites, Raffles London at the OWO features three onsite bars and nine restaurants, several of which are headed by famed chef Mauro Colagreco. The property is also home to the Guerlain Spa, “an urban sanctuary for holistic wellness,” according to the hotel’s website, with opportunities for spa treatments, swimming and exercise.
Songtsam Linka Retreat Basong Tso Lake, Tibet
Songtsam’s first low-carbon hotel, the Songtsam Linka Retreat Basong Tso Lake in Tibet celebrated its soft opening on July 24, 2023. Shortly after, the resort officially opened its doors in mid-September, representing Songtsam’s 16th and largest property. The hotel features 122 rooms and suites and features design elements inspired by the Cuogao Ancient Village, which is also situated on the shore of Lake Basong Tso.
The view of Jieqing Naragabu from SongtsamLinka Retreat Lake Basong Tso (Photo courtesy of Songtsam)
As far as sustainability goes, the resort follows strict policies surrounding energy conservation and emission reductions. Additionally, the new Songtsam property is committed to supporting the region’s local and economic development by hiring local employees and sharing 5% of its operating income with the nearby Jieba village.
Recent Renovations
Riu Palace Macao, Dominican Republic
Riu Palace Macao, Dominican Republic opened its doors in early September 2023 after renovating its common spaces, restaurants and rooms. “The hotel, which became the first RIU Palace line hotel in the Americas in 1994, had been remodeled once before in 2023,” said RIU Hotels & Resorts in a press release surrounding the property’s new changes. “Guests can now enjoy beautiful decor, new menus and new ideas, notably including Elite Club by RIU, an exclusive service with perks and spaces designed for guests looking to take their experience at RIU Hotels to the next level.”
An aerial shot of the newly renovated Riu Palace Macao. (Photo courtesy of RIU Hotels & Resorts)
In addition to these exciting changes, Riu Palace Macao also features RIU Hotels & Resorts’ largest wellness center. The new space is dedicated to all things wellness, beauty and fitness and is accessible to all guests of RIU Complex hotels in Punta Cana. Featuring a beauty salon, spa and fully furnished gym, the new space, managed by Renova Spa, has it all.
Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis, Cairo
According to the property’s website, at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis, guests can immerse themselves in “the splendor of Egyptian culture and enjoy a range of authentic experiences.” Better than ever with new digs, luxurious services like a personal concierge, space to rest and recharge at the onsite spa and carefully curated dining experiences, recent changes ensure visitors feel pampered throughout every step of their stay.
The lobby at Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis in Cairo. (Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria)
But that’s not all, the property’s many rooms and suites now flaunt a new look with floor-to-ceiling windows and natural color palettes in addition to bright touches in the form of unique artwork and decor. Additionally, each guestroom boasts swanky perks like an espresso machine, minibar, cozy bathrobes and slippers and a rain shower.
Riu Caribe, Cancun
Riu Caribe is sporting a fresh new look with 506 refurbished rooms, including a brand-new swim-out room category and 74 exclusive RIU Party rooms. Speaking of RIU Party, Riu Caribe will host a series of RIU Pool Party events, an exclusive party concept that first launched in Los Cabos in 2018 and has since taken the all-inclusive resort entertainment scene by storm.
Frida is one of the bars at Riu Caribe all-inclusive resort. (Photo courtesy of RIU Hotels & Resorts)
But the rooms aren’t the only things that underwent some big changes, all six onsite restaurants at Riu Caribe have undergone major renovations too. Throughout the property, guests can enjoy updated dining experiences with new atmospheres and improved spaces including an international buffet and other restaurants serving Mexican, Asian, American, gourmet and grilled fare. The property also has four bars: the lobby bar, lounge bar, sports bar and adults-only swim-up bar.
Riu Gran Canaria, Palma de Mallorca
In August 2023, Riu Gran Canaria reopened its doors following a full refurbishment. The fan-favorite all-inclusive now boasts a modern new design and has been fully equipped with updated facilities in addition to remodeled restaurants, bars and services. Additionally, with these new changes comes the addition of RIU Party, the brand’s exciting collection of colorful events which will take place at Riu Gran Canaria for the first time beginning at the end of the year.
One of the newly updated guest rooms at Riu Gran Canaria. (Photo courtesy of RIU Hotels & Resorts)
The property’s second remodel since it was refurbished in 2013, the new Riu Gran Canaria touts improvements in energy efficiency, waste management and water consumption. For example, thanks to a collection of photovoltaic panels installed on the hotel’s roof, the property will run entirely on renewable energy, significantly reducing its CO2 emissions. As far as the digs go, Riu Gran Canaria has 639 renovated rooms featuring comfortable wooden furnishings and a cozy green and beige color palette. Additionally, the property’s rooms are now larger, treating guests to additional space and comfort.
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