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Capella Sydney Opening Date Confirmed - book while you still can!

Capella Sydney Opening Date Confirmed - book while you still can!

Further to our post of 30 October 2022, Capella Sydney, the first Australian property in the Capella Hotels and Resorts portfolio, is now accepting reservations for arrivals beginning 15 March 2023.

It is the newest 5-star hotel in the Sydney CBD and includes 192 guestrooms (such as the one pictured) and suites, anchored by three ground-level food and beverage outlets: Aperture, Brasserie 1930 and McRae Bar.  . 

For travellers unfamiliar with this luxury brand, “The Capella brand is synonymous with luxury, excellence in the craft of hospitality and cultural immersion. Capella Sydney takes this to the next level through unparalleled experiences that go above and beyond the expected, underscored by world-class accommodation and dining,” said Marc von Arnim, Capella Sydney’s General Manager.

The beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites are replete with deluxe textiles, standalone tubs, custom Italian Frette linen and exclusive Haeckels amenities. Guestrooms at Capella Sydney offer an abundance of space, volume and natural light. Starting at 46 square metres, each room features curated artwork, sumptuous furnishings and intriguing objet d’art complete with luxurious pillow-top beds fitted with custom Italian Frette linen and exclusive Haeckel’s amenities

The  guestrooms start from AU$530 per night (Superior rooms - 46 square metres), while the uppermost jewel, the 235-square-metre Capella Suite on the ninth floor, boasts the largest offering in the portfolio, starting from AU$6,430 per night.  

To make a booking for this gorgeous new property in the heart of Sydney, contact our associated Travel Advisor, Neil McPherson at Rewarding Travel, and ask what perks he may be able to add to make your stay even more special.

2023 hotel openings - our "can't wait to stay" list

2023 hotel openings - our "can't wait to stay" list

Exciting New Properties Opening in 2023

There are many brands opening new properties globally this year, as the worst of the global pandemic may be behind us. This is our ” bakers dozen” list of properties opening in 2023 that we are super excited about and can barely wait to book, listed in geographic regions.  With most of these, booking through Rewarding Travel can provide you with luxury perks (eg daily breakfast, room upgrade st availability...) at no additional cost.

It’s going to be a busy year…

1.  Raffles London at The OWO (2Q 2023)
An architectural masterpiece, the Old War Office on Whitehall (OWO) is undergoing a meticulous restoration to create the Raffles’s first UK hotel.  OWO dates back to 1906 and is famed for housing influential leaders. These include Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and John Profumo. It also inspired Ian Fleming to write the James Bond series after working here as a key liaison.
The landmark building has undergone a monumental transformation and now features 120 lavish guestrooms and suites, 85 spectacular private residences, 9 ultra-stylish restaurants and 3 bars, bars including one gracing the rooftop with views across The Mall on to Buckingham Palace.

 An exclusive Guerlain spa and member’s health club (a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms ) by movement and nutrition experts Pillar will offer private memberships for locals in the know.

2. The Peninsula, London (May 2023)
Swish Hong Kong hotel group Peninsula – famed for its Rolls-Royce fleets, crisp-suited bellboys and want-for-nothing service – is finally landing in London. Located at one of the most prestigious addresses in the British capital, overlooking Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London is bringing the best of British – culture, art, and cuisine – to this new build in Belgravia.

Expect Peninsua’s usual sleek and understated elegance in each of its 190 rooms, while several destination restaurants, a Peninsula Spa (including a 25m indoor pool ) and a grand ballroom are also on-site. The Peninsula London also features a one-storey shopping arcade, with nine retail shops housing international luxury brands keeping luxury style very close at this new central London location.

 3. Mandarin Oriental. Mayfair (2Q 2023)
The luxury hotel chain is expanding its presence in London with the opening of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London providing a smaller, more intimate sister property to the award-winning Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in nearby Knightsbridge. Situated on Hanover Square, Mayfair’s oldest square, the hotel will provide a calming, discreet sanctuary for hotel guests.

The property comprises 50 guestrooms and 78 private residences in the heart of Mayfair, one of London's most stylish neighbourhoods. Taking advantage of its world-class location within walking distance of London's admired fashion houses on Bond Street and the boutiques of Saville Row, as well as art galleries, the new hotel will offer guests and Fans of MO ( its loyalty program ) exclusive access and experiences from high fashion to art, culture, and dining. It will also house the first namesake Akira Back restaurant in the UK from Michelin Star award winning Chef Akira Back, as well as his 'ABar Lounge' concept. There will also be an urban spa, focussed on renewal and recalibration, featuring an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, vitality pool, relaxation room and a myriad of bespoke wellness treatments.

4. Adagio London Whitechapel (Late 2023)
For guests who desire the helpful services of a hotel and the freedom to live like a local in a neighbourhood apartment, Adagio offers an easy balance of both. Designed for longer stays, the 147 serviced apartments conveniently located on Whitechapel Road in East London will provide one or two-bedroom apartments, complete with kitchens.

5. 100 Princes Street  Edinburgh (August 2023)
Red Carnation Hotels’ group first Scottish property is to be 100 Princes Street, whose name is a nod to their illustrious address on one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets. The interiors – designed by the team behind Ashford Castle in Ireland – will be full-blown Scottish chic with custom-made tartan by Araminta Campbell, roaring fires and a central staircase with a hand-painted mural of Scottish explorers by Croxford and Saunders restoring the former Overseas League building to its former glory. There’ll be just 30 guest rooms, some looking to Edinburgh castle, and a staff ratio of 2:1, so you know service will be a priority.

6. Six Senses Rome (March 2023)
For their new Rome hotel, Six Senses painstakingly restored parts of a Roman 15th-century compound, including the exterior Renaissance facade and interior staircase. Architect Patricia Urquiola is masterminding the interiors - guest rooms feature traditional cocciopesto plasterwork, locally-sourced travertine limestones, and sun-drenched terraces. Located steps from the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, overlooking via del Corso, it is a great place to rest after a long day exploring the city. They currently have an opening offer, valid until 30th of April:- 15% off best flexible rate.- Includes: breakfast, upgrade upon availability, a welcome drink, use of Roman Baths, Sleep questionnaire, bedding and sleep tracker and access to their Earth Lab. From Deluxe Suite onwards receive a one-way Airport transfer as well and a 20-minute skin instant lab. Contact RewardingTravel for more details.

7. Bulgari, Rome
The eternal city’s hotel scene is seeing an injection of fresh style with new branches of Nobu Hotels and Six Senses, plus the boutique ROMEO, in a 16th century palazzo. But top of our must-visit list for OTT luxury is Bulgari Rome. This Italian brand owns hotels as far afield as Shanghai and Bali, but finally opens its flagship on home city turf this coming spring or summer. Set in a 1930s modernist building dripping in travertine marble and red brick, it’s sure to be the epitome of more-is-more Bulgari style with warm jewel tones, fabulous artwork and unashamedly luxurious suites.

8.  Anantara Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi. (April 2023)
Following extensive restoration and renovation works, the heritage hotel – occupying a 13th-century monastery and former Cappuccini Friars Convent – will be restored to its original glory. The historic 52 guest room and suite  property will reveal new-look accommodation, refreshed dining concepts and a completely redesigned spa, all perched on a clifftop 80 metres above sea level with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Coast.

9. Maison Delano Paris (Early 2023)

Located in the heart of the ultra-chic 8th Arrondissement, Maison Delano Paris is an oasis within the bustling city. Occupying an 18th century courtyard building at 4 Rue d’Anjou, this is a place to experience exceptional and exclusive culinary concepts by three-star Michelin Chef Dani García, a fresh perspective on wellness and hyper-exclusive curated moments.

10. COMO Le Montrachet (2Q 2023)
Fine wine plus a fine spa – what else do you need? Launching in picturesque Burgundian village Puligny-Montrachet , COMO Le Montrachet is the latest (and first French) property in the wellness-focused COMO resort group is a celebration of life’s good things. Spread across four 18th century stone buildings, serene contemporary suites will channel pure Gallic serenity; meanwhile the Shambala Retreat spa will turn out deep tissue massages and hydrating facials. The restaurant will come with a superb Burgundian wine list, of course. Prefer spirits? Look instead to another exciting French opening: La Nauve, a former cognac distillery turned hotel near the Charente river.  Teasingly Olivier Jolivet, CEO of the COMO Group has said that “ Besides Europe, we will also add a new luxury resort in the South Pacific to the portfolio next year.”  (ie 2024)
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The COMO Group is an international privately-owned company with long-term investments in the world of fashion, wellness, high-level sports and luxury hotels. The group also supports its philanthropic mission through the COMO Foundation. Its subsidiary, COMO Hotels and Resorts, includes 14 international properties. Destinations in APAC include Bali, the Maldives, Bhutan, Thailand and Australia. In the Americas, the group own and operate a private island in the Turks and Caicos. In Europe, The COMO Group operates two city hotels in London and a resort in Tuscany.

11. The Standard, Singapore (late 2023)
Opening right off Singapore’s famed Orchard Road is the Standard Singapore, which aims to enhance the city’s already vibrant cultural scene with its buzzy, night-life-focused brand. In addition to their 143 rooms will be a signature restaurant, an infinity pool, and a bar set within a botanical courtyard. The Standard prides itself on shaking up the establishment and defying convention to deliver a unique experience. The company says its careful consideration of design, detail and service has allowed it to "cultivate a reputation for irreverent and playful sensibility".

12. Capella Sydney (March 2023)
The first property for Capella Hotels and Resorts to open in Australia will be housed in a magnificent heritage-listed sandstone building, centrally located just a short walk from the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge Capella Sydney is all about contemporary luxury balanced with the historical Edwardian-Baroque features – grand soaring ceilings, marble-clad foyer – with contemporary design, international art and 70 species of local floral on a seven-metre-tall ‘green wall’ of this 100-year-old building. Guests will also be granted access to the private Living Room – a signature of Capella properties across the world. Here, local pros or Capella Culturists will be on hand to organise guest activities both in and outside the hotel.

Over eight levels, 192 guest rooms and suites feature walnut wood, natural stones and deluxe textiles with standalone tubs, custom Italian Frette linen and Haeckel’s amenities in the bathroom. Three ground-level bars and restaurants include Brasserie 1930 and McRae Bar is a modern rendition of a Victorian-era drinking den. On level six is an Aruga spa, fitness centre, yoga platform and 20-metre heated indoor swimming pool. While the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are all within walking distance.

13. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne (March 2023)
At the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, which promises to be Australia’s tallest hotel, check-in happens at the Sky Lobby, 80 floors above the city. All of the hotel’s high-rise rooms, spread across levels 63 to 79, will have stunning views of the city and Port Phillip Bay. 

 A sharp eye for design, and two highly respected chefs are set to be the calling cards of Australia's latest Ritz-Carlton, delivering local, seasonal and cutting-edge cuisine across the luxury hotel's culinary offering. The restaurant will sit a cool 80 floors above the CBD alongside the lobby, and below it will lie a holistic wellness spa that includes a heated indoor infinity pool, spa, sauna and yoga studio.  The 257 carefully appointed rooms will feature interiors with custom leather and velvet furniture, handmade glass panels and marble bathrooms with art works by local artists gracing the walls.



Exciting Renovated Properties that will Re-Open in 2023

Not quite "new" but having had significant renovations or refurbishments, these half-dozen properties are also on our list. 

1.  The Dorchester: London

The Dorchester has been a London icon for the last 90 years, and now it's slated to debut its largest renovation since the '80s next year. French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon is redesigning the hotel's entrance, promenade, guest rooms and suites, along with a new Cake & Flower boutique. The legendary Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is redesigning the famous cocktail bar, which is now dubbed Vesper Bar.

2.  The Royce Hotel, Melbourne (4Q 2023)
What do you want from your next trip to Melbourne: a culture hit or a dose of nature? At The Royce, sitting on the border of the CBD and South Yarra’s parklands, you can enjoy both. This 1920s gem is being restored to its art deco glory, complete with a 14-metre high marble fireplace in the lobby lounge and a two-metre wide chandelier. The name pays tribute to its former roles as Rolls Royce (Australia) HQ and major showroom.  
The latest refurbishment, which aims to immerse guests in glamour with its 94 guest rooms, a marble staircase and fireplace, 24-hour concierge, and a swanky bar. In the rooms, freestanding baths, Molton Brown amenities and botanical wallpaper will round out this trendy South Yarra spot.

3.  Le Meridien Melbourne (early 2023)
From its Bourke Street perch, Le Meridien Melbourne will bring a touch of French flair to the theatre district. Expect plenty of surprises behind the art deco façade including an immersive arts program, house-made gelato and a dazzling rooftop pool deck with views looking over Parliament House towards Fitzroy Gardens.  The Parliament end of Bourke Street will welcome back Le Méridien to Australian shores. Originally built as a hotel in the 1850s before going through lives as a cinema, nightclub and theatre, the building will return to its origins as a hotel for the first time in decades. The 235-room hotel is set to have expansive views over the Royal Botanic Gardens along with a rooftop pool deck.

4.  Fairmont Port Douglas
Port Douglas is where the rainforest meets the reef and luxury brand Fairmont promises that its new Port Douglas resort will immerse guests in the area’s spectacular nature.enabling them to  connect with nature amidst eco-friendly luxury.  Expect organic architecture, a treetop walk, and butterfly nets above the children’s swimming pool, as well as an operating philosophy focused on sustainability.

5.  Manly Pacific, Sydney
A seaside favourite gets a new lease of life courtesy of the MGallery Hotel Collection and designers Coco Republic, who have given Manly’s best-located hotel (right on the foreshore)  a five-star makeover. Apart from the spa and the rooftop pool, highlights include a French bistro and Tokyo Joe restaurant, featuring sushi, sashimi and more courtesy of an ex-Nobu chef..

6.  W Sydney (October 2023)
Darling Harbour’s distinctive new development has already attracted plenty of attention for its eye-catching architecture. It will become even more of a landmark once W Sydney opens with all the modern pizzazz of the W brand . With 585 stylish guest rooms and suites occupying 25 floors with spectacular Darling Harbour views and interiors inspired by the waterfront location (think powder blue tiles and deep circular tubs and stunning Sydney views) we expect this will be one of the city’s buzziest hotels. 
Forming part of the development that includes an IMAX theatre and a retail wing. W Sydney features a two-storey rooftop bar, Level 29 WET® Deck with a heated 30m infinity pool, AWAY® Spa, FIT gym, all-day restaurant, Living Room bar, 1300sqm of event space and direct access to Darling Harbour waterfront precinct, and links across Cockle Bay and Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC).). .

Luxury hotel brand Capella comes to Sydney - opening March 2023

Luxury hotel brand Capella comes to Sydney - opening March 2023

Luxury hotel group Capella Hotels and Resorts will open Capella Sydney (pictured) in March 2023.

The luxury hotel will be located at the heart of Sydney’s newest retail and hospitality precinct, Quay Quarter - a short walk to Circular Quay ferries, Sydney Opera House, the historic Rocks precinct and a wide range of dining options.

The historic Department of Education building is being transformed into a space like no other. Inspired by the stories of the sandstone building’s past, the restored hotel is a balance between old and new.

Capella Sydney celebrates its magnificent surroundings and respects the traditions of the building, mingled with contemporary design flair. Paying homage to Sydney’s local culture, guests can find touches of the Harbour City throughout the hotel – from the signature restaurant, Brasserie 1930’s modern art décor, McRae Bar, a reinterpretation of Australia in the 1920s, to a 20-metre swimming pool positioned under a large heritage lantern skylight. and an award-winning Auriga Spa

Being a low-rise building, views of the Opera House and Harbour aren't available, but the 192 spacious rooms and suites are gorgeous and will suit anyone with an eye for design.

Capella participates in the GHA Discovery loyalty program. Learn more about how to best use GHA Discovery.

Select Capella properties (Bangkok, Ubud in Bali, Shanghai, Singapore and Maldives) participate in the Virtuoso program, of which our associated travel agency is a member.  

We are hoping that Capella Sydney will join this prestigious list so that we will then be able to add complimentary perks to stays booked through Rewarding Travel.


Each year Travel + Leisure magazine taps into its readership and invites thousands to complete a survey that rates airlines, spas, hotels, islands and more on many factors. The detailed survey evaluation results in its readers' rankings of the best hospitality has to offer from around the world.

Participants in the survey collected data from late October 2021 through to the end of February 2022. They rated (with a maximum score of 100) hotels, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, etc on numerous characteristics, with the option of rating excellent, above average, average, below average and poor. A minimum number of responses was necessary for a candidate to be eligible for Travel + Leisure‘s World’s Best Awards.

This year’s results spanned a whopping 120 categories among hotels, resorts and hospitality brands in cities, countries and regions globally; to spas, favourite global cities, and best islands, cruise lines, tour operators, safari outfitters, airlines, car rental companies and National Parks.

Some key observations:

The overall winner was the super-luxury Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino. Rosewood also had 2 other properties in the top 100. 

Auberge and Shangri-La also both had 3 properties in the top 100.

The groups with the most properties in the top 100 both have Indian roots - Oberoi and Taj both had 6 properties in the list of top 100 hotels. 

While Preferred Hotels owns no hotels of its own, it markets (and offers a loyalty program) for 5 of the top 100 hotels (Pendry Chicago #25, Riggs Washington D.C. #31, Finca Cortesín Hotel Golf & Spa, Málaga #44, Grand Hotel Tremezzo – Lake Como, #53 and Rancho Santana – Tola, Nicaragua, #56). 

Multi-brand Marriott had 4 properties, while Capella, Hilton, Six Senses (IHG), Rocco Forte and Mandarin Oriental each had 2 properties rated in the top 100.


In terms of the Best 25 Hotel Brands in the World, the Accor stable rated very well, with 3 of its brands rated in the top 25 (Raffles #4, Sofitel Legend #6 and Banyan Tree #11). Global Hotels Alliance (GHA) also had 3 of its brands rated in the top 25 (Viceroy #10, Anantara #14 and Capella #17).  

Of the major, multi-brand chains, IHG (Six Senses #19), Hilton (St Regis #24) and Marriott (Luxury Collection #25) each had 1 brand in the top 25.

If you'd like to know more about any of the hotels or brands, our associated Travel Agency is a specialist advisor for Langham, Shangri-La. Rosewood, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, Raffles, Preferred Hotels, Hyatt, IHG, Conrad and St Regis - able to offer free perks like room upgrades and property credits when you book.


Our congratulations to Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco and all category winners. Far too many to list here entirely, so we list below a selection of the results:

100 Best Hotels in the World

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco (99.25),
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection (99.22),
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi (99.11),
Pickering House Inn, Wolfeboro (98.95) and
One&Only Reethi Rah (98.93).


25 Best Hotel Brands of the World

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts (97.50),
One&Only Resorts (96.20),
Oetker Collection (96.15),
Raffles Hotels & Resorts (95.5) and
Red Carnation Hotel Collection (95.32).


5 Best Resorts - South Pacific

Namale Resort & Spa, Savusavu, Fiji,
Conrad Bora Bora Nui,
St. Regis Bora Bora Resort,
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora,
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa.


Best Islands of the World

Ischia, Italy (94.61),
Maldives (94.44),
Bali (92.51),
Milos, Greece (92.50) and
Fiji Islands (92.38).


5 Best International Spas

Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico (95.76),
Sha Wellness Clinic, El Abir, Spain (95.20),
Therme di Saturnia (94.15),
Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat & Health Spa (93.26),
Chable Maroma, Punta Maroma, Mexico (89.90).


25 Best Cities in the World

Oaxaca, Mexico (92.96),
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico (91.77),
Ubud, Indonesia (91.73),
Florence (91.06) and
Istanbul (90.97).


Best City Hotels - Europe


Hôtel Madame Rêve, Paris (98.73),
Rosewood Villa Magna, Madrid (98.67),
Portrait Firenze, Florence (98.25),
Raffles Istanbul (98.25) and
Shangri-La at the Shard, London (97.86).


Best City Hotels - Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific


The Langham, Melbourne (92.53),
Park Hyatt Sydney (90.40),
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney (88.30),
InterContinental Sydney (87.76) and
Shangri-La Sydney (86.40).


Best Islands - Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

Fiji Islands (92.38),
Moorea, French Polynesia (90.24),
Bora Bora, French Polynesia (87.70),
Great Barrier Reef Islands (86.90) and
Tahiti, French Polynesia (83.33).

NH Hotels officially joins GHA

NH Hotels officially joins GHA

Pictured is the NH Collection Plaza Santiago.

On June 20th, NH Hotels officially joined Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. 

NH Hotel Group is one of the largest hotel companies in the world and brings to the alliance more than 350 properties in 30 countries under three brands – NH Hotels, NH Collection and nhow.

NH Hotel Group is majority-owned by Minor Hotels, a Bangkok-based operator of more than 160 hotels and a GHA shareholder. Minor Hotels’ global family of brands include Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, Oaks and Tivoli which were already member brands of the alliance and participate in GHA DISCOVERY.

The move sees the transformation of NH Rewards into the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, becoming NH DISCOVERY and creating a 21-million-strong global membership. Existing NH Rewards members will retain the value of their points and their other benefits, including Member Rates with up to 10% discount and additional rewards for booking on the NH or GHA websites.

For more details on GHA Discovery, see our Guide to GHA Discovery

A unique feature of the NH Discovery version is that NH Hotels shareholders can upgrade their tier status for attractive benefits.  

Under T&C 4.9 Members of the NH DISCOVERY Programme who are also NH’s Shareholders may upgrade their Tier as follows:

*  To the Gold Tier if they hold a block of shares to a value which is lower than 2,000 Euros; or

*  To the Platinum Tier if they hold a block of shares to a value equal to or greater than 2,000 Euros but lower than 3,000 Euros.

*  To the Titanium Tier if they hold a block of shares to a value equal to or greater than 3,000 Euros. 

The value of a block of shares will be determined considering the number of shares multiplied by their market value. In order to enable the upgrading of a Tier, Members must prove their status as a Shareholder by sending their securities account certificate by email to nh.loyalty@nh-hotels.com. 


If you are a shareholder of NH Hotels, these upgrades last for as long a you own the requisite value of shares, providing a way of holding tier status without the requirement of stays or spending.


GHA has a promotion for June 2022 - Unlock the Unforgettable - where you can save up to 40% at some destinations within its range of over 30 brands, which include ones we love, such as Anantara, Capella, Corinthia, Kempinski, Niccolo and Viceroy.

Unlock the Unforgettable offers deals right around the globe.  

For example, escape to Australia and NZ with up to 30% off for stays with Oaks booked prior to 31 August and completed prior to 30 September 2022.  Destinations include Brisbane, Port Stevens, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.  Even Auckland and Queenstown !

GHA Discovery is free to join.  Learn more about the program from our Guide to GHA Discovery.

T&C's apply for these offers, so ensure you...


S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2022 considered over 7,500 companies across 61 industries around the world and selected 716 companies for this year’s edition based on their S&P Global ESG Scores using this Yearbook Methodology. Prize winners in the 2022 edition included:

Airlines
Gold:  ANA     Silver:  China Airlines, EVA     Bronze:  LATAM Airlines      Honourable Mention:  Air France-KLM, JAL, American Airlines

Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines
Gold:  Hilton Wordwide      Silver:  Melia Hotels    Bronze:  NH Hotels

Interestingly, both Melia Hotels and NH Hotels are Spanish companies.  Of the total 716 companies selected this year, 26 ( 3.6%) are Spanish companies - a strong showing.

Congratulations and thanks to all whose efforts made the grade for this year’s yearbook !

For more information...


Not yet experienced the luxury and service of a Corinthia Hotel?

Even if you have, you can (re)discover the pleasures of its boutique luxury properties for a limited time with up to 20% off the usual rate with breakfast included !

Tempted ?

Urgent! Anantara Limited Time Offer Of Luxury Stays with 40% off + breakfast included

Urgent! Anantara Limited Time Offer Of Luxury Stays with 40% off + breakfast included

Anantara Hotels & Resorts (advertiser) has a limited time promotion where you can book a stay with up to 40% off the usual rate with breakfast included.

You must stay by 21 December (lots of time) but must book within the next 2 days !

Take a look at Anantara's loyalty program GHA Discovery, to see what other benefits you may be able to gain.

T&C's apply

World Ski Awards - Best of 2021

World Ski Awards - Best of 2021

World Ski Awards - the sister organisation of World Travel Awards  - has unveiled the winners of its ninth annual programme. The results follow a year-long search for the world’s leading ski travel, tourism and hospitality brands.

A brief selection of the prize-winners (and their loyalty programs where relevant) is shown below.

  • World’s Best Ski Resort – Verbier, Switzerland
  • World’s Best Ski Hotel -  W Verbier, Switzerland (Marriott Bonvoy)
  • World’s Best Green Ski Hotel -  rocksresort, Switzerland
  • World’s Best Ski Chalet -  Chalet Zermatt Peak, Switzerland
  • World’s Best New Ski Chalet -  Chalet Face a Face, France
  • World’s Best Ski Tour Operator -  TUI
  • Australia’s Best Ski Resort - Thredbo
  • Australia’s Best Ski Hotel -  Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa Hotel (Accor ALL)
  • Canada’s Best Ski Resort – The Lake Louise Ski Resort
  • Canada’s Best Ski Hotel – Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside   (GHA Discovery)
  • France’s Best Ski Resort -  Val Thorens
  • Japan’s Best Ski Hotel – The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido (Marriott Bonvoy)
  • New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort – Mount Hutt
  • New Zealand’s Best Ski Hotel -  The Rees Hotel , Queenstown
  • Norway’s Best Ski Hotel – Radisson Blu Resort, Trysil (Radisson Rewards)
  • Poland’s Best Ski Hotel  – Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Zakopane (Radisson Rewards)
  • Russia’s Best Ski Hotel –  Rixos Krasnaya Polyana Sochi (non-participating in Accor ALL)
  • Slovakia’s Best Ski Hotel – Grand Hotel Kempinski, High Tatras   (GHA Discovery)
  • Slovenia’s Best Ski Hotel – Ramada Resort by Wyndham  (Wyndham Rewards)
  • Spain’s Best Boutique Ski Hotel – Melia Royal Tanau Boutique Hotel  (MeliaRewards)

Congratulations to all of the World Ski Awards 2021 prize-winners  !

Avani Sale for Luxury Stays | includes Avani+ in Phuket with 40% off

Avani Sale for Luxury Stays | includes Avani+ in Phuket with 40% off

Avani Hotels & Resorts (advertiser) is having a promotion where you can book a stay with up to 30% off the usual rate.

For the luxurious Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas (pictured)  it gets even better !  Enjoy upto 40% off at Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites & Villas, Thailand.

Some locations include complimentary breakfast & other benefits, which vary. T&C's apply. 

Anantara luxury villas on Banana Island, Doha | 20% off !

Anantara luxury villas on Banana Island, Doha | 20% off !

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has a promotion running - Villa Exclusive: 20% off at Banana Island Resort Doha, Qatar.

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a crescent of golden beach and over water villas just off the coast of downtown Doha. This private, luxury destination has:

  • 141 sea view rooms, suites, beach and over water pool villas
  • 800 m of golden shoreline
  • Surf pool, dive centre, VIP cinema, bowling alley, putting green
  • Anantara Spa and Balance Wellness Centre.
The offer is valid for stays booked and completed through 31 October 2022.

Like more details? 


Global Hotels Alliance (GHA) has now launched its revamped Discovery program, releasing more details of the now GHA Discovery program.

The changes transform it from a guest recognition program (where guest loyalty was rewarded with  "experiences" tailored to each destination) to more of a rewards program (points earned can be redeemed for benefits, including experiences).

It has added a 4th status tier (and a further by-invitation tier) with an increasing range of benefits at each level, based on either nights stayed, spending or number of new brands experienced.

GHA lost the Omni and Rydges brands earlier this year, but NH Hotels is joining soon. So there should be 946 hotels associated with GHA Discovery by early 2022.

This places it in size (by number of hotels) roughly mid-way between Preferred Hotels and IHG.

Like to know more about the new GHA Discovery ?

Rydges leaves GHA's Discovery | retains Priority Guest Rewards

Rydges leaves GHA's Discovery | retains Priority Guest Rewards

The EVENT family of hotels, which includes  53 Rydges, 10 QT, 11 Independent Collection & 5 Atura properties around Australia and NZ (including Thredbo and Queenstown) is departing from the GHA Discovery loyalty program. Rydges will continue to tun its own Priority Guest loyalty program

Stays booked after 1 December 2021 will no longer have benefits honoured. Sad news for skiiers downunder...although there remain 2 Oaks (a separate GHA brand) properties in Queenstown

This follows the departure of Omni Hotels, effective 30 June this year. It too noted it was going to focus on its own Select Guest loyalty program.

However, NH Hotels will be joining GHA early 2022 & merging its NH Rewards program into GHA Discovery.

Could these moves be related to the revamping of GHA's loyalty program? Possibly, although it's unlikely to be quite that simple.

Perhaps GHA will requiire members to make bookings through a GHA portal to receive their benefits, rather than being able to book direct.  

Time will tell.

GHA makes new Discovery

GHA makes new Discovery

GHA flagged the revamp of its loyalty program Discovery in September. With its December launch under the new branding of GHA Discovery now imminent, details are starting to emerge.

The main changes are:
1)  the move towards a points earning system.
2)  the Discovery experiences will now be able to accessed at all status tier levels. 
3)  you won't have to book flights or nights to enjoy your membership. The new DISCOVERY will offer exclusive benefits both with or without a stay.

Previously, key differentiators from other hotel loyalty programs were the absence of points and tier level based on stays being rewarded for upper tier members by tailored travel experiences, rather than discounted or award stays. So this is a major change in philosophy by the group.

Points earning will be in the form of "Discovery Dollars" or D$. 

From their very first stay, members will earn D$ at 4% to 7% (depending on tier status) of their total bill and D$1 = 1 USD, so the value is clear. D$ will be able to be spent flexibly across the hotel, toward spending on a room, dining, spa or golf. Members simply apply their D$ as a form of payment at check-out.

So the revised Discovery program has some similarities with Accor's ALL - a fixed redemption rate (value of USD 1  or EUR 1 respectively) and a fixed earning rate that increases with tier status (4% to 7% depending on tier status).

Tier qualification requirements will also change.
An additional tier level is being introduced (from Gold, Platinum & Black to Silver, Gold, Platinum & Titanium). Qualification will be based on either Nights/Stays, spending or number of brands stayed at. The latter looks to be the easiest route to top tier status:

  • Gold – Stay 2 times or spend $1,000
  • Platinum – Stay 10 nights, spend $5,000 or stay at 2 brands
  • Titanium – Stay 30 nights, spend $15,000 or stay at 3 brands.
Previously, the 2 top-tier members received complimentary Local Experiences with their stays (different Local Experiences depending on tier level.  Now, all members will have the option to choose to redeem D$ for them (D$100 for what was a Platinum-level experience or D$200 for a Black-level experience), or apply their D$ on other items. In Australia, the GHA brands include Atura, Avani, Oaks, Pan Pacific, ParkRoyal, QT and Rydges, with the more leisure-based Oaks being the most plentiful. In total there are 117 hotels to choose from.

Travellers to Asia will fare best, as there are 142 hotels under the brands of Anantara, Araiya, Avani, Capella, Kempinski, Leela, Marco Polo, NUO, Niccolo, Pan Pacific & ParkRoyal.

Options in the US with 14 locations are more limited, under the brands of Meritage, Outrigger, Pan Pacific, Viceroy & Doyle Collection.

UK travellers may find it even more limited, as the brands there are currently limited to Corinthia, Pan Pacific, Doyle Collectiion & Campbell Gray in a total of 7 locations.

This map of GHA hotel locations shows this more explicitly.

GHA Discovery has not yet communicated what benefits loyalty program members at each tier will receive. Further details will be released soon, particularly in regard to benefits usable without a stay.  

Whether or not status-matching from other programs will be possible is yet to be revealed.

Stay tuned!