Skift Travel News Blog

Holiday Inn has introduced a new open lobby concept at the 275 room Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay, located in the United Arab Emirates. 

The new concept has been designed to transform the traditional hotel lobby into a multi-functional hub that fosters ‘a dynamic environment where individuals can seamlessly blend work, dining and social interactions. The design incorporates connected facilities to enhance the overall experience.’

“The launch of the Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay marks a significant milestone in our commitment to redefine guest experiences. The Holiday Inn Open Lobby concept revolutionizes the way guests interact with hotel spaces, creating a dynamic and integrated environment. We are confident that this innovative approach will set new standards in hospitality, offering guests a unique and memorable stay,” said Haitham Mattar, managing director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East & Africa.

Anantara has announced Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp, a new resort in development on the banks of the Kafue River in Africa.

The resort is being developed in partnership with Agro Safari.

Set to open in 2025, the resort will feature 12 tents that will be suspended 3.5 meters above the ground, with each tent strategically positioned to provide immersion into the surrounding landscapes. 

The camp will also feature a spa and wellness area, a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, a lounge and a traditional African boma – a traditional enclosure used to protect livestock – along with a host of nature inspired programming, including canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, boat safaris, and wildlife encounters.

“We are really excited to announce this partnership with Agro Safari to develop and launch an exclusive tented camp in Zambia under our luxury Anantara flag. This represents a unique opportunity to offer unparalleled experiences to discerning travellers looking to explore outside the more well known African parks and we look forward to working closely with our partners to bring this camp to fruition,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International, in a press release.

1 Hotels has launched its first European property, with 1 Hotels Mayfair now open in London, standing as the brands flagship location in the United Kingdom.

According to a release, a commitment to sustainability and biophilic design principles have been the ‘driving force’ behind the design of the property, with the new location meeting BREEAM Excellent standards – a rating used to measure the sustainability performance of buildings.

The nature inspired hotel features a number of naturally sourced design features, including a ‘living wall’ – featuring more than 1,300 individual plants – along with reclaimed Yorkshire dry-stone walls, private bars that have been hand-wrapped with woven jute and vanities crafted from Welsh slate.

“We are thrilled to bring our brand’s one-of-a-kind blend of nature and culture, sustainability and luxury, and a holistic focus on health and wellness to what has been a hub of heritage for generations,” said 1 Hotels founder and SH Hotels & Resorts chairman, Barry Sternlicht. 

“We designed this soothing urban oasis as a fresh, fashionable, contemporary take on timeless traditions. With Green Park as our backdrop, we are focused on reconnecting our guests and visitors to the wonder and magic of London’s natural, cultural, and historical landmarks in an atmosphere that is as relaxed as it is refined.”

One of the most talked about trends in travel has been how many people are merging business with leisure in “workcations” or “bleisure.” The Toggle Hotel in Tokyo caught our eyes for how it brings the concept of blended hospitality to life.

The Toggle Hotel has painted most of its interiors in only two colors, accentuating how guests can toggle between leisure and business. Located by the Suidōbashi train station in Chiyoda City, the property has painted each floor in a different pair of colors.

Continuing with its theme of blurring boundaries, the hotel has placed its lobby on the top floor. People start their stay with skyline views and can enjoy a break in a cafe — also painted in only two colors.

Klein Dytham Architecture is the firm behind the project.