Also known as the fourth course of Travel Weekly’s regular industry wrap degustation, the hotel wrap has a noticeably Australian and Asian influence this time around.

Hyatt announces new lifestyle division

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a new, dedicated lifestyle division which brings together Hyatt’s and former Two Roads Hospitality’s lifestyle brands, including Andaz, Alila, Hyatt Centric, Joie de Vivre Hotels, Thompson Hotels and Tommie.

Announced as global head of lifestyle operations, Frederic Flageat-Simon, former CEO of Two Roads Hospitality Asia, is responsible for developing the global operations strategy for Hyatt’s new lifestyle division, working in partnership with the Global Commercial Services organisation to drive enhanced operational and financial performance for the lifestyle brands.

Also announced as part of the lifestyle division organisation, Heather Geisler, vice president of global brands, is focusing on driving global brand awareness around Hyatt’s lifestyle division brands.

The first of its kind for Hyatt, this new cross-functional division centres on the development, positioning, and execution of Hyatt’s lifestyle portfolio.

Accor opens Raffles Shenzen and Shadow Play by Peppers in Melbourne 

Accor Greater China has announced the opening of Raffles Shenzhen. As Raffles’ newest destination, Raffles Shenzhen joins the collection of prestigious hotel addresses across the globe.

The opening was celebrated with a gala, ‘Experience New Heights’, held earlier this month in the presence of over 300 VIP guests.

Raffles Shenzhen is strategically situated in One Shenzhen Bay, with direct connections to the adjacent Qianhai Economic Zone in the Nanshan District.

The 72-storey high building also includes Sky Concert Hall (the highest music hall in the world) on the 71st floor, a Raffles brand residence, a helipad on the roof, class A office space, a car showroom, and international clubs.

Accor’s Shadow Play by Peppers in Melbourne was officially opened today on Monday by the city’s Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, in the Southbank arts and entertainment district.

To mark this momentous occasion, the Lord Mayor joined Accor Apartments & Leases senior vice president of operations, Mark Hodge, in a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Developed by luxury property developer Jonathan Hallinan of BPM Corp, the 46-storey Shadow Play by Peppers hotel features a selection of spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with avant garde design elements throughout.

The hotel also boasts the onsite Edwin Wine Bar & Cellar, along with an array of guest spaces including a heated pool, gymnasium, sauna and steam room, guest lounge and library with an adjoining patio, and an enclosed garden space on the 46th floor complete with a freestanding fireplace and commanding bayside views.

DoubleTree by Hilton – Flinders Street unveils lux new addition

As the global Hilton Hotel Group celebrates 100 years this month, DoubleTree by Hilton – Flinders St in Melbourne’s CBD has launched Level 14 – seven new hotel rooms as part of a bold renovation and re-style of the hotel’s top floor.

What was once a private penthouse has now been reimagined by leading Melbourne designers and architects; the world-renowned Woods Bagot and iWolff Atelier.

Think mustard velvet desk chairs that mirror the façade of Flinders Street Station, original exposed red beams in the loft rooms, colour-blocked Italian side tables, high-end bespoke joinery, French washed walls, and custom-made pendant globe lights.

Among the seven rooms includes three loft-style suites with soaring double-height ceilings – two of which feature incredible views across Federation Square.

Other rooms include: one king and king accessible room, plus one king room and one suite, both with balconies which capture cityscape views.

Avani continues expansion with several new properties

Avani Hotels & Resorts’ expansion plans are on track with the company set to welcome seven new Avani properties, including in three new countries, this year.

In 2019, Avani will welcome Avani Central Busan in South Korea, Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok in Thailand, Avani Seminyak in Bali, an Avani-managed hotel in Siem Reap, as well as two Avani Residences in Australia and Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The group has also added to its relatively new Avani+ brand, welcoming Avani+ Riverside Bangkok (pictured above) and Avani+ Hua Hin to the portfolio which includes Avani+ Luang Prabang and Avani+ Samui.

Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour to host ‘Pop-up In A Penthouse’

Design-led hotel collection Ovolo is collaborating with Melbourne contemporary art gallery MARS and Sydney-based arts consultancy Soda Arts to curate a compelling art pop-up exhibition throughout the eclectic spaces of Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, including the penthouse suite ‘Stirred’, from 13 to 15 June 2019.

The pop-up will feature artwork and installations from 21 contemporary Australian artists for guests and art lovers alike. The exhibitors include established artists represented by MARS Gallery, alongside a selection of compelling emerging practitioners such as Chris Bennie, Harriet Body, Lars Breuer, Erin Coates, Korban/Flaubert, Lyn&Tony, Jane McKenzie, Hitesh Natalwala, Paula do Prado and Datsun Tran.

Pan Pacific says ‘Breakfast and More on Us’ with new offer

Pan Pacific Hotels Group is offering a complimentary kids’ stay with dining for up to two children this winter, as part of its new ‘Breakfast and More on Us’ offer.

The offer includes a complimentary buffet breakfast for up to two persons, complimentary kids’ stay with dining for up to two children under six years old, late check-out until 3pm (subject to availability), 20 per cent savings on in-room dining.

Guests who take advantage of this offer will also have the flexibility to change their booking if something comes up.

The participating hotels are Pan Pacific Melbourne, Pan Pacific Perth, PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport, PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, and PARKROYAL Parramatta.

Click here for more info.

Langham Hospitality Group opens first Cordis resort in China

Cordis, Dongqian Lake, Ningbo has opened its doors, claiming its mantle as the first Cordis resort by Langham Hospitality Group as well as the fifth property in the global Cordis portfolio.

Inspired by its proximity to the serene Dongqian Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Zhejiang province with over 1,200 years of history, this newest Cordis property provides panoramic views as it creates a luxurious, yet authentic resort experience.

The 238 guest rooms and villas inside the resort were designed by Allied Architects International, whose inspiration was derived from local villages and the natural landscape to emphasize the resort’s connection to the lakeside setting.

The overall design of the resort reflects the traditional architecture of Zhejiang province and uses natural elements of wood, stone tiles and bamboo. Multi-tiered waterfalls, winding pathways, garden pavilions, and floral beds are keys to the design, with intricate steps taken to preserve an idyllic setting for the guests.

The highlight of the resort is the 18 well-appointed villa complexes, all of which feature a landscaped courtyard, a two-bedroom suite and four individual rooms. These may be booked in its entirety or individually, depending on the guests’ needs.

For the ultimate in luxury and comfort, the 1000 square-metre six-bedroom pool villa is ideal for large family gatherings or a corporate retreat.

Six Senses launches ‘Grow a New Body’ program

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spa’s has launched its groundbreaking ‘Grow a New Body’ program, which lays the foundation for a healthy body that ages slowly and joyfully.

The aim is to help guests discover how their health span can equal their life span. Benefits include detoxifying the body, turning on the genes for health, protecting and upgrading the brain, resetting fight-or-flight and turning on the production of the bliss-creating molecules, while shedding the years of old programming.

The series of retreats has been launched in collaboration with Dr Alberto Villoldo, a best-selling author and medical anthropologist with a Ph.D. in psychology, a teacher and healer, who studied the shamanic healing practices of the Amazon and the Andes for more than 25 years.

They will be available at Six Senses Kaplankaya in Turkey, Six Senses Douro Valley in Portugal and Six Senses Krabey Island in Cambodia on special dates from June to November 2019.