This month, Marriott International announced a joint venture with luxury wellness hospitality brand Lefay. Key openings included the brand debuts of W Hotels in Saudi Arabia with W Riyadh – KAFD, and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts in Hungary with The St. Regis Budapest. Additional highlights included the opening of AMOH, a Luxury Collection Resort in Rhodes ahead of the summer season, as well as two new premium properties in Italy. Marriott Bonvoy announced its role as Official Hotel Partner for CELINE DION PARIS 2026 and marked a significant milestone with the opening of its 500th select service property in EMEA, Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort.

 

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL AND LEFAY ANNOUNCE MILESTONE DEAL TO GROW LUXURY WELLNESS OFFERINGS GLOBALLY

 

 

 

Marriott International has announced a landmark joint venture with the Leali family, founders of the award-winning Italian wellness brand Lefay, marking a significant step in the evolution of luxury hospitality. The agreement will bring Lefay into Marriott International’s global portfolio, establishing it as Marriott’s first brand dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness. Founded in Italy in 2006, Lefay is renowned for its immersive, nature-led resorts and its proprietary Lefay SPA Method, which blends scientific research with holistic wellness traditions. The brand’s philosophy places wellbeing, sustainability and authenticity at the heart of the guest experience, redefining modern luxury through health, longevity and balance. Lefay currently operates two acclaimed resorts in Lago di Garda and the Dolomites, both set in exceptional natural landscapes. The development pipeline includes three additional properties planned for Tuscany, Southern Italy and the Swiss Alps. By preserving Lefay’s Italian heritage and distinct identity, while enabling global growth, the collaboration signals a new chapter for luxury wellness hospitality within The Luxury Group by Marriott International’s portfolio.

 

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MARRIOTT BONVOY ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

MARRIOTT BONVOY ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL HOTEL PARTNER FOR CELINE DION PARIS 2026

 

 

 

Marriott Bonvoy has announced it is the Official Hotel Partner for CELINE DION PARIS 2026, bringing members closer than ever to one of the most iconic voices in music. The highly anticipated limited engagement will run from Saturday 12 September 2026, with Celine Dion at Paris La Défense Arena. As Official Hotel Partner, Marriott Bonvoy is set to deliver once‑in‑a‑lifetime moments that combines world‑class hospitality with a truly global cultural event. Through exclusive experiences and curated packages, members will be able to follow their passion for music while enjoying exceptional stays across Paris. From premium accommodation to concert access, the partnership is designed to immerse fans in both the magic of Celine Dion’s performances and the energy of the French capital. Details of Marriott Bonvoy Member Experiences for CELINE DION PARIS 2026 will be announced soon and are expected to include Marriott Bonvoy Moments, exclusive stay‑and‑ticket packages, and on‑property activations designed to celebrate both the limited engagement and destination. Member experiences will be available via the Marriott Bonvoy Moments website.

 

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CHORE FREEDOM AND ICE CREAM FOR LUNCH: MARRIOTT BONVOY REVEALS THE SIMPLE TRUTH OF WHAT KIDS WANT ON FAMILY HOLIDAYS

 

 

 

From ice cream for lunch to a total break from chores, Marriott Bonvoy has uncovered the simple truth of what British kids really want from family holidays. New research reveals that when children are given a voice, their dream trips are refreshingly straightforward: fun, freedom and zero boredom. Top of kids’ wish lists are ice cream for lunch (58%), big pools with waterslides (57%) and staying up late (53%), while hotel stays are all about having free rein at breakfast (63%) and never having to tidy their room (30%). On the flip side, boredom is the biggest deal‑breaker, with 39% of kids saying it’s the toughest part of a family break – closely followed by being made to do “adult stuff” (35%). Parents are increasingly open to this kid‑led approach. While 40% admit it can be hard to please everyone when planning a family holiday, over a third already let their children help choose where to go and stay. Looking ahead, 72% say they’d feel curious or excited about letting their child plan an entire trip, with quality time together (66%) and stress‑free travel (47%) topping parents’ own priorities. Kids are also shaping where families want to go. Spain (33%), Italy (18%) and Greece (16%) lead holiday bucket lists for 2026, with sun, beaches and water‑based fun firmly in focus. From waterslide‑filled resorts to beachfront escapes and pirate‑ship pools, Marriott Bonvoy properties across Europe are delivering the playful, flexible experiences families – and especially kids – are craving this summer.

 

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NEW HOTEL OPENINGS

 

W RIYADH – KAFD DEBUTS AS THE BRAND’S FIRST HOTEL IN SAUDI ARABIA

 

 

 

W Hotels has debuted in Saudi Arabia with the opening of W Riyadh – KAFD, a 210-room luxury lifestyle hotel located in Riyadh’s dynamic King Abdullah Financial District. Designed as an urban escape and social hub, the property brings the brand’s signature energy, creativity and immersive programming to the heart of the city. The hotel’s design, by LW Design, draws deeply on Saudi heritage and landscape, blending contemporary luxury with cultural references. Interiors feature stone and veined marble inspired by desert and mountain terrains, alongside geometric textures and textiles influenced by traditional Al Sadu weaving. A six-metre tapestry by leading Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem anchors the lobby, while bespoke artworks and Arabic and English typography wall art appear throughout guestrooms and suites. W Riyadh – KAFD positions itself as a key dining and social destination, with venues designed for all-day-to-night experiences. Highlights include Sira, offering Latin American-inspired cuisine cooked over open fire, Beni, a coffee house serving specialty coffee and artisanal ice cream, and the outdoor WET Deck with Mediterranean-style poolside dining. Later this year, Sahari, an outdoor lounge for performances and social events, will also open. Wellbeing and events are equally central to the experience, with an AWAY Spa, FIT gym, and extensive meeting and event facilities.

 

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A BELLE ÉPOQUE LANDMARK REAWAKENS AS THE ST. REGIS BUDAPEST

 

 

The St. Regis Budapest has opened in the iconic Klotild Palace, marking the debut of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts in Hungary, and bringing contemporary luxury to one of Budapest’s most storied buildings. Originally constructed at the turn of the 20th century as a ceremonial gateway to Pest from Buda, the Neo-Baroque palace is a protected UNESCO-listed building. The St. Regis Budapest offers 63 elegant guestrooms and 39 suites, where historic grandeur meets modern refinement. Interiors are inspired by the flow and reflections of the Danube River, blending soft blue hues, sculptural forms and Art Nouveau detailing with references to Budapest’s famed bath culture and operatic heritage. Signature touches include theatre box-inspired guestrooms, and the brand’s hallmark St. Regis Butler Service. The hotel offers dining and social experiences, from The St. Regis Bar, a stage for live music and bespoke cocktails, to refined culinary concepts such as 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant and Klotild Patisserie, set within a historic apothecary-style space. Guests can also enjoy St. Regis rituals including Afternoon Tea and Champagne Sabrage. The on-site St. Regis Spa, inspired by Hungarian bathing traditions consist of a traditional hammam, a Finnish sauna, experience showers, and three dedicated treatment rooms.

 

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THE LUXURY COLLECTION DEBUTS ON RHODES WITH THE OPENING OF AMOH, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT, RHODES

 

 

 

Set on a secluded peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean, AMOH, a Luxury Collection Resort, Rhodes, introduces a new destination for elevated island escapes, marking The Luxury Collection’s first property on the storied Greek island. Located along Kavos Beach near the historic town of Lindos, the resort blends epicurean experiences, wellness and cultural immersion within an unspoiled coastal setting. Bordered by an ancient limestone quarry, AMOH is deeply rooted in its environment. Designed by London-based Studio Lost, the resort reflects Rhodes’ rich heritage through Greece’s stonework traditions and the rhythmic movement of the sea, expressed in mineral palettes, natural materials and sculptural architectural elements. The resort offers 197 rooms and suites, including sea-view and private pool accommodations, alongside two private sandy beaches. Dining is central to the experience, with eight restaurants and bars presenting Mediterranean, Italian, seafood and grill concepts, complemented by relaxed poolside and beachside venues. Guests can also enjoy signature moments, from olive oil tastings to sunset aperitivos which are deeply rooted in Greek history and culture. Wellbeing is anchored by Elispa, a spa inspired by the four natural elements, supported by a state-of-the-art fitness centre, swimming pools and outdoor sports facilities.

 

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HABITA79, POMPEII, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL REOPENS AFTER EXTENSIVE RENOVATION

 

 

 

HABITA79, Pompeii, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has revealed significant renovation at the beginning of this month. Overlooking Mount Vesuvius and located just steps from Pompeii’s UNESCO‑listed archaeological park, the novated hotel blends millennia of history with contemporary design and cutting‑edge technology. Housed in a beautifully restored early‑20th‑century building, the hotel features 79 elegantly designed rooms – a nod to both its name and 79AD, the year of Vesuvius’ historic eruption. Redesigned interiors combine modern design pieces with archaeological influences, transforming the property into a refined retreat inspired by ancient Pompeian homes. The highlight is the expansive panoramic rooftop, offering views over Vesuvius National Park. Guests can also indulge at Il Circolo Osteria, celebrating Campanian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients, or unwind at the rooftop cocktail bar. With a NUXE spa, versatile event spaces and Green Key certification, HABITA79 Pompeii, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is a sophisticated base for culture‑seekers, leisure travellers and business events alike.

 

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PRINCIPESSA FORTE DEI MARMI, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION OPENS ON THE TUSCAN RIVIERA 

 

 

 

Principessa, Forte dei Marmi, Autograph Collection has opened on Italy’s iconic Tuscan Riviera, introducing a refined new hospitality concept with contemporary design to one of the country’s most elegant seaside destinations. With 36 beautifully designed rooms and suites, each featuring generous outdoor terraces, the hotel offers the intimacy of a private villa while embodying the individuality and craftsmanship that defines Autograph Collection Hotels. Guests are invited to embrace leisurely mornings cycling along the promenade to sea‑breeze‑filled afternoons and convivial evenings shaped by gastronomy and conversation. At the heart of the hotel is MARIAS restaurant, led by internationally acclaimed chef Jason Atherton alongside Italian Executive Chef Giorgio Cicero. Celebrating Tuscan seasonality with a global perspective, the restaurant serves as a vibrant social hub for both guests and the local community. Architecturally striking, the hotel’s sculptural design is inspired by the silhouette of a yacht gliding toward the sea, creating a fluid dialogue between interior spaces, the coastline and the Apuan Alps beyond. Natural locally sourced materials and artisanal craftsmanship ground the hotel firmly in its surroundings, while collaborations with local artists and makers reflect the creative heritage of nearby Pietrasanta.

 

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HOTEL HAPPENINGS

 

JW MARRIOTT GROSVENOR HOUSE LONDON CELEBRATES BEATRIX POTTER WITH A WHIMSICAL NEW AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCE

 

 

JW Marriott Grosvenor House London launches The Tales of Beatrix Potter™ Afternoon Tea from 1^st May, created in partnership with Frederick Warne & Co. to celebrate 160 years since the birth of the beloved British author. Served in the hotel’s elegant Park Room, the playful literary‑inspired experience brings Potter’s iconic stories to life through five artfully crafted pastries and an amuse bouche, designed by Executive Chef Patrick O’Sullivan, using seasonal British ingredients. Menu highlights include a crack‑open white chocolate egg filled with malted milk panna cotta and marmalade, inspired by Jemima Puddle‑Duck; Tom Kitten’s white chocolate ball of yarn concealing elderflower mousse and wild strawberry compote; Mrs. Tiggy‑Winkle’s laundry‑themed lavender sponge cake with blackcurrant jam; and a Peter Rabbit Earl Grey chocolate mousse garden finished with meringue radish. The Afternoon Tea also includes traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Cornish clotted cream and preserves, an extensive Newby Teas selection and optional Champagne. The experience is also accompanied by live piano music and a beautifully styled countryside tablescape. A dedicated children’s menu and illustrated keepsake menu complete the nostalgic experience, available daily from May to November.[CC3] 

 

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