Not to toot our own horn, but this week’s Hotel Wrap is some of our best work yet. And by that, we mean it’s extremely long and we managed to put it together without falling asleep.

Accor commits to global elimination of single-use plastics in guest experience by 2022

Accor has announced its commitment to join the UN Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and to remove all single-use plastic items in guest experience from its hotels by the end of 2022.

This action by Accor toward reducing environmental impacts and strengthening efforts to combat plastic pollution of the world’s oceans and other natural environments is a significant step forward for the global hospitality industry and for the group, which has been committed to sustainability for many years.

Club Med early bird deals 

November 2020 – April 2021 Club Med holidays are now on sale with the biggest saving on the premium all-inclusive holidays all year – up to 30 per cent off 70+ sun and ski resorts worldwide!

For 3 days only (now until 1^st February), the Super Early Bird offer is guaranteed on all dates, rooms, and services such as Kids Club, which book out early due to demand. After the first three days, the Early Bird offer price may increase, so get in quick!

Whether your clients are after a luxurious beach-side escape, a thrilling adventure on the slopes of Japan or Europe, or a fun-filled family trip with something for everything at their fingertips, book your client’s trip with the infamous Early Bird deals for the best price all year.

AGENTS ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN WHEN THEY BOOK THE EARLY BIRD OFFER

To celebrate the opening of their biggest offer of the year, premium Club Med is offering the chance for agents to win their choice of a branded Club Med Esky or a $400 North Face Voucher if they are the top seller in your state of 2021 Club Med sun and ski resort holidays for bookings made between 29 January and 29 February 2020.

First Indigo hotel opens in Japan

InterContinental Hotels Group’s boutique lifestyle brand has debuted in Japan with the opening of Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora.

Located in the mountainous precinct of the Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan’s first Hotel Indigo brings the brand’s strength as a neighbourhood storyteller to guests with unique experiences that explore Gora’s history, its breathtaking vistas, local culinary delights and hot springs culture.

SO/Auckland accepted into Virtuoso 

SO/ Auckland has been accepted into Virtuoso’s exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprised of more than 1,800 preferred suppliers in 100 countries.

Crystalbrook Collection Hotel launches advocacy program for aspiring Australian artists

Cairns’ first arts-inspired five-star hotel, Bailey, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel, has launched Aspiring Artist, a program for up-and-coming Australian artists.

The initiative is a comprehensive advocacy arts program giving eager, would-be artists the opportunity to showcase their talents and have their artworks featured on display and for sale at the hotel’s gallery, with all proceeds going directly to the artist.

Bailey is calling all talented, up-and-coming artists to get involved. The Aspiring Artist program is not for professional artists, but for artists aspiring to one day become professional and welcomes all forms – from performance art to painting, drawing, sculpture, graffiti and beyond.

Hilton delivers record-breaking growth and positive impact in 100th year of hospitality

Hilton announced that its centennial year featured record-breaking growth, awards for its inclusive workplace culture, and continued recognition of positive community impact.

In 2019, Hilton achieved 6.6 per cent net unit growth by adding nearly 470 hotels and reaching 6,110 properties globally with more than 971,000 rooms in 119 countries and territories.

The company also grew its development pipeline to more than 387,000 rooms across 15 of its brands, supported by more than 116,000 rooms approved in 72 countries and territories. In addition, Hilton achieved a new construction start record of nearly 87,000 rooms.

Cradle Mountain Lodge gets revamp 

Cradle Mountain Lodge is undergoing an upgrade valued at “more than $10m” as part of Stage 1 of its redevelopment.

The newly upgraded King Billy Suites aim to create a new standard for luxury accommodation within Australia, re-invigorating the signature statement central fireplace and famous outdoor spa baths, through to the minibar featuring a curated selection of local Tasmanian products. The new accommodation offering is now available to guests.

The Lodge’s restaurants have seen upgrades, with work on Highland completed in November 2019 and The Tavern Bar & Bistro set to re-open at the end of March 2020. Maintaining its casual food offering for lodge guests and day-trippers alike, the lodge’s restaurants will showcase seasonal and local produce, displaying the best of the food bowl state.

In conjunction with the upgrades, the lodge has also introduced new sustainable practices to aid improving the ecosystem of its surroundings, starting with the introduction of beehives to produce honey for guests to enjoy but also to increase the number of bees in the area.

Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel announces enhancement project 

Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel, Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel, has announced the launch of the ‘Kealaula’ project to further enhance the establishment of Hawaiian culture throughout the revered property.

Launching in spring 2020, the beginning of the property renaissance is projected at $65 million and will unveil transformative enhancements including a significant redesign to the 180-room Kauaʻi Wing, a refresh of the sweeping courtyard including the introduction of additional native Hawaiian plants, the launch of a new oceanfront restaurant, Huihui, and an additional floor of parking.

Alika Guerrero, Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel’s director of Poʻokela, is overseeing all cultural aspects of the renovation process, which is being guided with Hawaiian culture at its core.

Hilton Darwin launches digital key platform for guests

Hilton Darwin, a five-star hotel in the Northern Territory, has officially introduced Digital Key, a feature of the award-winning, Hilton Honors mobile app, providing members more choice and control over their entire travel experience. The addition of Digital Key now gives guests the option to bypass the check-in counter and access their room via the Hilton Honors mobile app.

Vakkaru Maldives’ Valentine’s Day experiences 

Vakkaru Maldives is tempting intrepid lovers to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year in the island nation – often lauded as the world’s most romantic destination – with a suite of amorous experiences on offer at the five-star resort.

From a romantic beach dinner to a private sandbank escapade, guests of Vakkaru Maldives will have the opportunity to treat their loved ones to plenty of extra special moments.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World introduces hotels in new destinations

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is kicking off the New Year by introducing five new exciting additions, including two properties in new destinations for the brand – Montenegro and The Hamptons.

From an intimate adults-only bolthole in Barcelona to a sustainable Sicilian farmhouse and an eco-friendly hideaway in Cambodia, the latest SLH member hotels offer an ideal snapshot of the brand’s independently-minded portfolio.

New properties include: Angkor Village Hotel, Siem Reap, Cambodia, The Wittmore, Barcelona, Spain, Villa Geba, Sveti Stafan, Montenegro, Susafa, Sicily, Italy and Topping Rose House, The Hamptons, United States.

Honeymoon heaven with The Unique Sri Lanka Collection

The Unique Sri Lanka Collection has announced a romantic 15-day/14-night Honeymoon Heaven experience for couples staying in exquisite locations in a variety of Sri Lanka settings.

Couples will spend the first night of this memorable sojourn in a dreamy suite, just 15 minutes from the airport, continuing on to explore the amazing world heritage sites and wildlife reserves of the Cultural Triangle and enjoy the fascinating sights of Kandy.

They will embark on a fabulous train journey to the central highlands of Demodera, traverse estate trails in and around captivating Ella, and are invited to marvel at the magnificent animals, including leopards, elephants and bears in the beautiful Yala National Park.

At journey’s end, couples will bliss out with four nights in Koggala for more leisurely adventure and an opportunity to visit intriguing 17^th Century Galle Fort.

Shama expands Bangkok presence with two additional locations

Shama Serviced Apartments by ONYX Hospitality Group is doubling its neighbourhood presence in the Thai capital by adding Phrom Phong and Yen Akat to its portfolio in 2020.

The two new properties – Shama Sukhumvit 39 Bangkok and Shama Yen Akat Bangkok – will complement the existing Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok in Ploenchit and Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok.

ONOMO Group opens hotel in Maputo, South Africa

ONOMO Hotels has continued its development in Southern Africa, with the African hotel group opening a new hotel in Maputo, Mozambique, bringing up its network in Southern Africa to 7 hotels, among which 5 in South Africa and one in Rwanda.

Clare Smyth set to open restaurant at Crown Sydney 

Crown Sydney has revealed that the first and only female chef to run a restaurant with three Michelin-stars in the UK, Clare Smyth MBE, plans to open a restaurant at Crown Sydney in February 2021.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Smyth has trained in some of the most celebrated kitchens in the world including Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV in Monaco and worked under Gordon Ramsay for 13 years where she was Chef Patron before opening her own restaurant in 2017 – Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill, London.