INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Several hotels are slated to open across the globe in 2018, many of them opening up new markets for their brands. Here’s a look at a few of them:
Serafina Restaurant Group to Debut First Hotel
Serafina Beach Hotel will open its doors in March, marking the first hotel concept created by NYC-based Serafina Restaurant Group. Located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the hotel will offer 96 guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows; new dining concepts introduced by the Serafina Restaurant Group, including the hotel’s signature restaurant aMare, which is a modern take on traditional Italian seafood influenced by Puerto Rican flavors; and a poolside lounge with an infinity pool and cabanas.
Designed by New York-based design and branding studio, ICRAVE, the hotel will have a modern and chic design, which is enhanced by a bohemian and youthful charm, minimalist decor and a fresh, tropical style, according to the company. The hotel will also incorporate distinctive pieces of art that have been specifically created for the property by local artists.
First Fully Electric Hotel in the Netherlands to Open
The Netherlands’ first fully electric hotel has begun accepting reservations ahead of its opening in April 2018. Powered entirely by wind energy, Conscious Hotel Westerpark will become the fourth property of sustainable hotel chain Conscious Hotels, which, for the past year, has employed SiteMinder to market and sell its rooms online.
Conscious Hotel Westerpark will be located in Westergasfabriek, a hot spot in Amsterdam for cultural events and bustling markets as well as walks in the park. As with Conscious’ other hotels, sustainability has played an important role during every step of the Westerpark property’s development, from its 89 rooms to its restaurant, which features eco-materials and a fully organic menu.
Anantara Taps South American Market
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will soon debut in Brazil with the opening of Anantara Maraú Bahia Resort in mid-2018.
Accommodations will include a choice of 30 guestrooms, suites and bungalows, which will be followed by the resort’s expansion, bringing additional new suites and bungalows in beachfront and garden settings, some featuring a private pool.
Anantara Maraú Bahia Resort will join the brand’s luxury portfolio in July, following the renovation of the former Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort. The launch of the brand will be the first Asian flag in Brazil, according to the company.
Royalton Bavaro in the Dominican Republic Nearing Completion
Royalton Bavaro, the newest addition to the Royalton Luxury Resort family in the Dominican Republic, is nearing completion and on schedule for a January 2018 opening.
Featuring a variety of 730 accommodations through its signature All-in Luxury concept, in each suite, guests will find standard wellness features of ceiling mounted rain showers, two-person soaker tubs and handcrafted signature DreamBed mattresses. Amenities will include a Royal Spa, All-in Connectivity that offers free WiFi resort-wide, and a sprawling lazy river more than 1,200 ft. long.
Nine restaurants, ranging from a beach buffet to a Royalton signature teppanyaki restaurant, Zen, will be offered Royalton Bavaro will also feature the first-ever rodizio, a Brazilian steakhouse-style restaurant where experienced carvers will serve up various grilled meats prepared in a number of ways.
Hotel Okura Manila to Open in the Philippines
Hotel Okura Co. Ltd. has entered an agreement with Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. to manage Hotel Okura Manila, which will open in Manila, Philippines, in 2018.
Located near Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the 191-room Hotel Okura Manila will be situated within Resorts World Manila, an integrated resort owned by TIHGI.
The hotel will offer numerous dining options, including traditional Japanese and Spanish restaurants, all-day dining and a bar. It will also have a pool and fitness facility.
“As Hotel Okura’s first hotel to open in the Philippines, we will leverage the group’s expertise in traditional Japanese hospitality to make Hotel Okura Manila a much-beloved hotel among both local and foreign visitors,” said Toshihiro Ogita, president of Hotel Okura Co. Ltd. “For the past five years, the Philippines has experienced high economic growth surpassing 6% per annum, and its tourism market is expected to achieve mid- to long-term growth.”
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants to Debut in Taiwan
IHG has signed the Kimpton Taipei with Malaysia’s Cornerstone Partners Group. Scheduled to open next year, this will be the first Kimpton hotel in Taiwan.
The 14-story property will have 129 guestrooms and suites, and a 12th-floor rooftop deck. The hotel’s restaurants and bars will be designed exclusively by Hong Kong-based JIA Group.