REFURBISHMENT NEWS

DUKES London: London, UK

DUKES London, located in the heart of Mayfair, announces a multimillion pound refurbishment commencing from January 2017. This will be the biggest investment the hotel has seen in decades. Introducing the brand new and improved look to guests, the London property will see a major upgrade to its public areas and bedrooms, which includes a partnership with Liberty London. This is Liberty London's first partnership with a hotel. The addition of a new food and beverage outlet, under the guidance of Executive Head Chef Nigel Mendham, will deliver an all-day casual dining concept. As part of this new concept, the restaurant is to be renamed GBR (Great British Restaurant) similar to its sister restaurant in Dubai.

Book a stay at DUKES London with SLH from 430 GBP per night www.slh.com/dukeslondon

 

The Betsy South Beach: Miami, Florida

The Betsy South Beach announces the completion of its expansion, merging the existing Betsy Hotel on Ocean Drive with the historic Carlton Hotel on Collins Avenue to become a single unified property. The expanded hotel includes the current Ocean Drive arrival building, now known as the Colonial Wing, and the fully renovated Collins Avenue building, known as the Art Deco Wing. The Colonial Wing on Ocean Drive features 60 guestrooms, including 20 suites, and houses the front desk, Lobby Salon, B Bar Lounge, Ocean Front Deck, Wellness Garden & Spa, The Writer's Room, and newly renovated restaurant, LT Steak & Seafood. The Art Deco wing features 70 rooms and suites, half of them with balconies. Additional public space includes the foot Rooftop Pool with expansive views, the Ocean View Deck, a Library Lounge, several unique event spaces, and Poeti, a trattoria-style Italian restaurant. Connecting the two historic properties is The Betsy Orb, an exquisite display of public art.

Book a stay at The Betsy South Beach with SLH from 275 USD per night www.slh.com/betsyhotel

 

FOODIE NEWS

La Zebra: Tulum, Mexico

La Zebra has announced their new collaboration with Copenhagen restaurant noma. From April 12, 2017 through May 28, 2017 (Wednesday-Sunday evenings), Noma Mexico will take up residency under the canopy of the jungle, and just steps away from La Zebra, in Tulum on the Mexican Riviera. The Noma Mexico “pop-up” – the latest from the noma team after similar residencies in Tokyo and Sydney – will see René Redzepi reunite with friend and former sous-chef Rosio Sanchéz to develop a new and original menu using only local and indigenous Mexican ingredients.

Book a stay at La Zebra with SLH from 380 USD per night (www.slh.com/lazebra  / The Noma menu package costs USD 600 http://noma.dk/mexico/

 

Casa Velas: Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

Casa Velas, a recent addition to the SLH portfolio will be hosting Dinner in the Sky, one of the world's most exhilarating dining experiences throughout the month of February. Groups of 22 adventurous guests will be lifted nearly 150 feet in the air by a crane, taking in breathtaking views of the property's on-site golf course, Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre Mountains. Guests at Dinner in the Sky can mingle with fellow diners during a one-hour experience consisting of a three-course gourmet dinner designed by top chefs including Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza - owners of Biko in Mexico City, regularly among the top 50 restaurants in the world on the San Pellegrino list. A complimentary cocktail hour precedes the dinner. When staying three nights at Casa Velas or its sister properties in Vallarta-Nayarit, guests enjoy special discounted rates for the experience.

Book a stay at Casa Velas with SLH from 614 USD per night www.slh.com/casavelas

 

Milaidhoo Island Maldives: Baa Atoll, Maldives

Milaidhoo Island Maldives opened its doors to guests on 25 November 2016 and immediately launched its programme of guest chefs and visiting experts.  In March, one of Switzerland's top Michelin-starred chefs, Tanja Grandits, swaps Alpine landscapes for ocean views as she heads to Milaidhoo.  Renowned for dishes that celebrate colour, texture and spices, her results have earned her an international reputation and two Michelin stars.  From 4 to 11 March 2017, food lovers will have the chance to find out just how the change of scenery will inspire her as she hosts dinners and events. 

Book a stay at Milaidhoo Island Maldives with SLH from 1900 USD per night www.slh.com/milaidhoo

 

SPA NEWS

Canaves Oia Hotel: Oia, Greece

Canaves Oia Luxury Resort has announced plans to re- launch its luxurious and enticing spa in April 2017. Located in the prestigious Canaves Oia Suites, the authentic spa, renovated from two traditional 'Canaves' 17th century caves, oozes lavishness with impressive interior and first-class amenities.  Teaming up with the award-winning Elemis brand allows for an array of idyllic treatments including 'Pro- collagen Quartz Life Facial' and the 'Jetlag Energising Massage'. The resort will also introduce a stylish boutique, opening 2017. International pieces will fill the room; pretty kaftans and sophisticated sunglasses, to name a few.   The highlight is the opening of the perfectly positioned infinity pool within the Suites. Currently being constructed overlooking the caldera, with dotted cabanas and picture-perfect views; providing the perfect retreat for relaxation.

Book a stay at Canaves Oia Hotel with SLH from 300 EUR per night www.slh.com/canaves

 

 

OTHER NEWS

Dar Ahlam: Ouarzazate, Morocco

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Dar Ahlam has planned 15 unforgettable weekends throughout the year which include a weekend dedicated to meditation and Shiatsu, a 10-course anniversary meal with culinary expert Frederick Grasser Hermé, a Moroccan wine trail, a culinary journey with Chef Thierry Alix, as well as yoga, champagne tasting, theatre, photography, calligraphy and music. The weekends are all free of charge to guests staying at Dar Ahlam over these select dates.

Book a stay at Dar Ahlam with SLH from 10230 MAD per night www.slh.com/darahlam

                                                                                                                          

Castello di Velona: Montalcino, Italy

Castello di Velona Resort introduces new experiential activities for guests to enjoy 'the real Tuscan soul' in 2017. The new itineraries are all centered around the beautiful Val d'Orcia (a UNESCO heritage site) and include: hot air balloon rides, Ferrari drives up and down the hills, cooking classes with the resident Chef, painting lessons, yoga seminars and astronomy lessons to explore the mesmerising Tuscan sky. Spring and autumn also bring truffle hunting for guests.  

Book a stay at Castello Di Velona with SLH from 357 EUR per night www.slh.com/castellovelona

 

Editorial Enquiries:

 

EMEA – PR Manager EMEA: Laura Bardell (laura.bardell@slh.com)

Americas - PR Manager Americas: Dana O'Malley (dana.omalley@slh.com)

APAC - PR Manager APAC: Juliana Tan (juliana.tan@slh.com)

 

About Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) matches independently minded guests with independently spirited hotels. The diverse collection of over 500 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world includes everything from cutting edge design hotels and city centre sanctuaries to historic country mansions and remote private islands – all SLH hotels are consistently different, however, they are all united by the fact that they offer the best locations, highest quality, personalised service and a truly authentic way to discover a destination. Reservations for any SLH hotel can be made online at www.slh.com or via the iPhone app, by contacting a travel agent or calling a Small Luxury Hotels of the World reservations office; click here to view a listing by country.