Get the jump on your colleagues when it comes to all the latest deals and openings with Travel Weekly‘s trusty Hotel Wrap.

The Lux Collective to unveil new flagship property in Mauritius

The Lux Collective has announced plans for its newest property, LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences. The hotel will open in Mauritius in the second quarter of 2021 and will become the flagship property for the group’s much-loved brand LUX* Resorts & Hotels.

The new property will be located in the popular Grand Baie neighbourhood in the north of the island, known for its picturesque beaches, vibrant downtown village and favourable year-round climate.

Located 60 kilometres from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, LUX* Grand Baie Resort and Residences is set to transform the tourism landscape of Mauritius.

The Bunny ‘sweet’ at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne

Cuddle, sip and indulge at new heights with The Bunny ‘sweet’ at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne.

This Easter Saturday, 11th of April, the Melbourne CBD hotel is inviting all bunny and chocolate lovers to join them on top floor (Level 14) for an afternoon of bunny cuddles and chocolate treats.

Upon arrival guests will be treated to a house-made chocolate espresso martini, followed by free pouring hot chocolate (with an option to nip it with Baileys) and DoubleTree cookie shakes.

Let’s not forget the bunnies – while sipping on cocktails and spiked hot chocolates overlooking Melbourne’s skyline, snuggle up with an adorable fluffy bunny. You’ll also have the chance to decorate your own DoubleTree Cookie and indulge in a chocolate feast including DoubleTree’s signature Filipino chocolate torte and chocolates by Filipino chocolatier Auro; Chocolate hot cross buns and more!

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts launch revitalised agent program in Australia

Outrigger Hospitality Group today announced the launch of its new agent rewards program, Outrigger Expert Advisor, a revitalised agent reward system that will now offer multiple benefits to Australian agents for all Outrigger Hotel and Resort bookings.

Agents can become an Outrigger Expert Advisor by enrolling in an online course at www.OutriggerAdvisor.com, once completed; agents can earn unlimited reward points on Outrigger bookings through a wholesaler, GDS, phone or website, to redeem for accommodation at selected Outrigger properties.

Agents will receive an initial 500 Reward Points upon certification, plus extra Reward Points for completing additional educational courses. For each night booked, agents will receive 100 Reward Points towards their account. There will be monthly exclusive Booking Bonus promotional offers to help agents earn points faster.

Other benefits include; incentive opportunities with select airline carriers, a convenient dedicated help desk, security in knowing Reward Points will never expire, exclusive room rate discounts, plus being able to offer clients a complimentary Welcome Amenity gift upon check in with qualified booking of three or more nights.

Special packages for Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort

This week, The Travel Concierge Sri Lanka welcomes the opening of the luxury Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort by offering special packages that include:

• Complimentary return airport transfers
• Upgrade to a Deluxe Ocean View room
• Special romantic dinner for two

A special one-week beach combo in Sri Lanka & Maldives for only AUD 3400* (double sharing) also includes:

• four nights at the new luxury Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort (Half Board)
• three nights at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa (Full Board)
• Kanneliya Rainforest walk
• Traditional Sri Lankan lunch in river
• Private walking tour of colonial Galle
• Home cooking lesson
• Visit to approved turtle hatchery
• Boat ride of Madu River
• Relaxation on pristine white sands in the Maldives
• Water recreation

The newly opened Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort has 172 contemporary designed rooms, inclusive of suites, and our guests can choose staying overlooking the Indian Ocean, pool or the beautiful lush gardens.

Stunning new Villa Verte is open to guests

When Jim Brett and Ed Gray decided to launch a sister property to their exclusive-use Villa Maison Noir in Hout Bay, Cape Town, it was with the intention of creating yet another sanctuary-like space that was inspired and informed by the natural beauty of the bordering Oudekraal Nature Reserve and surrounding areas.

Each of the four suites has a unique interior treatment, outlook and layout. Custom wallpaper by Cara Saven creates cocoons of flowers or foliage out of each space. Freestanding bathtubs and showers with a view ensure that even the bathrooms offer a striking experience of the surroundings. The balconies leading out from each of the rooms allow guests to quite literally sit among the trees.

In the generously proportioned living spaces and outdoor areas, the feeling is one of space and light. While undeniably comfortable, the open-plan living areas are primarily a visual feast. Surface treatments such as timber roof panelling, metallic cladding on the kitchen island and terrazzo floors all engage the senses, while the furniture and objets d’art have been chosen to further stimulate with bold colour, interesting form and engaging textures. The entire interior serves to highlight and celebrate the beauty and dynamism of nature – and more specifically, Cape Town itself.

Introducing Nirjhara, a resort redefining sustainable luxury

Opening in January of this year, Nirjhara is Sanskrit for ‘waterfall’ – an apt name for a space nestled amidst natural wonder and mere minutes from tourist haven Tanah Lot Temple and Pantai Kedungu, a scenic beach known for its beginner and intermediate surf breaks.

Drawing inspiration from traditional local villages, Nirjhara offers Balinese charm in spades. A chance to reconnect with nature will greet visitors here; 85 per cent of Nirjhara’s 25 suites face distinctive views of a waterfall, terraced rice paddies and a gentle river.

There are eight River Pavilions, four River Pool Pavilions, seven Canopy Suites, five Two-Bedroom Pool Villas, and private haven The Residence to choose from. Each suite is surrounded by the resort’s lush garden, planted with species endemic to Indonesia, immersing guests in nature while preserving the all-important sense of intimacy.

An eco-friendly focus evidently lies at Nirjhara’s core. The resort was created to cater to a new breed of discerning yet environmentally conscious travellers, who believe that high-end hospitality can tread lightly on the planet without compromising on quality and service.

As such, the ethos is a deep-rooted commitment to environmental, social and cultural issues, and every effort was made to minimise the resort’s impact on the surrounding natural world.

Nirjhara has also launched a variety of initiatives aimed at reducing its footprint on the ecosystem; Ambu, the hotel’s main restaurant, sources over 95 per cent of its ingredients locally, primarily from neighbouring farms in Tabanan.

Furthermore, the resort made the deliberate choice to remove single-use bathroom amenities and eliminate single-use plastic from the entire property.

Free time for more together time at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

This April and May, travellers can pay for three nights and receive the fourth night for free at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa.

Renowned for its idyllic location, incredible sunsets and Kimberley charm, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday with the family or a romantic getaway.

The paradisal resort is located only a short two-and-a-half-hour flight away from Perth.

Purpose-built wellness residential community to be developed in Phuket by Montara Hospitality Group

Montara Hospitality Group (MHG) announced the development of a comprehensive health and wellness residential community in Phuket, Thailand, to be completed in 2022.

Tri Vananda will feature 298 villas, anchored by a wellness resort specializing in integrative and functional medicine and cognitive wellbeing in a sprawling hillside setting dotted with lakes and verdant gardens 20 minutes from the Phuket International Airport through lush green scenery.

The low-density development is situated on over 230 acres and will be built with sustainable practices in mind, aiming for net-zero emissions and LEED certification. Features include a tiered wetland filtration system with a botanical garden to collect, clean and store water; an organic, non-toxic farm to supply the restaurants onsite; nature trails; and renewable energy facilities such as floating solar panels on lakes.

Two- and three-bedroom solar-powered residential villas ranging in size from 270 square meters to 750 square meters are designed by Habita Architects, renowned for their nature-focused work, together with Arsom Silp Institute of the Arts. Villa sales start in July 2020.

Hilton Darwin launches Darwin’s very first ‘Beergustation’ Dinner and Earth Hour Vegan Wine Dinner

Hilton Darwin has partnered with local Darwin businesses to create two unique dining events in March for Darwin locals and visitors alike.

The hotel has partnered with Beaver Brewery, a 100 per cent family-owned and operated micro-brewery in the Top End, for a Beergustation Dinner on March 13. Guests will get a chance to hear from Chris Brown, the owner of Beaver Brewery, who will share his insights into local beer and food pairings, which is carefully curated by the hotel’s culinary team.

After launching the first wine dinner in December 2019, and with successful events then after, Hilton Darwin will be hosting a Vegan Wine Dinner which will coincide with Earth Hour on March 28 as part of the hotel’s commitment to live sustainably and take action by caring for the planet in the year ahead.

The Beergustation Dinner the Vegan Wine Dinner will feature a six-course set menu with food and beverage matchings. Hilton Darwin is looking at hosting five more wine dinners along with other seasonal promotions in 2020.

Six Senses Bhutan unveils its final lodge

Less than six months after the opening of Six Senses Bhutan’s first lodge the ‘Traditional Birdwatching Bridge’ Six Senses Gangtey, the fifth and final lodge, Six Senses Bumthang has opened.

This opening marks the completion of the five-lodge, five-valley Six Senses khamsa or ‘journey’ across the Kingdom that combines the brand’s commitment to wellness, sustainability and out-of-the-ordinary experiences paired with the country’s rich culture, warm hospitality and omnipresent spirituality.

In total there are eight suites, featuring spacious balconies and calming forest views across the valley. A pine sapling has been planted in the open-air vestibule at the centre of each suite to reinforce the relationship between the inside and outside, and to celebrate longevity.