New direction for famous London hotel

One of London's most famous hotels is to have a new identity and new direction. 

London's Iconic Dukes at St James’s will re-launch in spring 2027 following a complete transformation - although the legendary Dukes Bar will remain. 

Minor Hotels, a global hotel player with more than 640 properties across 67 countries, has signed a management agreement to operate Dukes London at 35 St James's Place. 

The landmark property will join the newly launched Minor Reserve Collection, marking the luxury brand's debut in the UK.

Dukes has welcomed statesmen and cultural icons since opening in 1908. 

It is currently undergoing an extensive multi-year transformation led by Russell Sage Studio, the 85-room property will re-open next year as Dukes London, Minor Reserve Collection, with redesigned guest rooms and suites, including 13 executive suites and five signature suites. 

The legendary Dukes Bar has remained open throughout the renovation. 

Dukes London will introduce a new restaurant, partnering with The Wolseley Hospitality Group, which is owned by Minor Hotels. 

The Dukes London, Minor Reserve Collection agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between Minor Hotels and Seven Tides, a holding company with an established presence in both Dubai and London. 

“Bringing Minor Reserve Collection to the UK through Dukes London is a defining moment for the brand,” said William E. Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. 

“Few hotels capture the character and heritage of London quite like Dukes. Together with our trusted partner Seven Tides, we look forward to the hotel’s next chapter, preserving Dukes London’s unique identity while expanding its reach through Minor Hotels' global luxury platform.”

Launched in 2025, Minor Reserve Collection is Minor Hotels' luxury soft brand for "independent hotels defined by character, heritage and a strong sense of place". 

The collection currently includes Hotel Palace Portorož in Slovenia, relaunching in the first quarter of 2027; Aventora Resort Baía Formosa in Brazil, opening in 2028; and Dukes London in St James's, reopening in 2027. 

See https://www.minorhotels.com/en/upcoming-openings/dukes-london-minor-reserve-collection

Change in the air in the Adelaide Hills

One of the highest-profile cellar doors in the Adelaide Hills is changing hands with Tomich Wines taking over the Nepenthe tasting facility.

Australian Vintage Limited, which owns the Nepenthe brand, has announced the sale of its Adelaide Hills cellar door site and vineyard for $5 million to Woodthall Pty Ltd and Adelaide Wine Co Pty Ltd (Tomich Wines).

The deal will be finalised on November 9.

Australian Vintage will retain full ownership of the Nepenthe brand and has established a grape supply contract with Tomich Wines for vintage 2027 to ensure quality supply as the brand transitions to regional sourcing.

The decision is "consistent with the company moving towards an asset-light, brand-focused business model that aligned with the company’s long-term strategic goals removal of loss-making business units and a continued focus on debt reduction and steadfast commitment to enhancing shareholder value" the statement said.

“As wine tourism continues to decline, loss-making cellar doors do not add the value they once did," Tom Dusseldorp, the Australian Vintage CEO said.

"The sale of this asset can return cash to the business so the company can pay down debt and generate long-term shareholder value whilst maintaining high-quality standards.

"We will still be sourcing great quality wine from the premium Adelaide Hills region for Nepenthe."

Milestone for one of Australia's iconic rail journeys

 

Kuranda Scenic Railway in Tropical Far North Queensland has this year celebrated 135 years of operation, having first welcomed passengers to travel between Cairns and the rainforest village of Kuranda in 1891. 

The railway remains one of Queensland's most ambitious engineering achievements - the 37km journey sees passengers wind through the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest in the Barron Gorge National Park. 

The train crosses over 55 bridges and passes through 15 tunnels. It is celebrated globally as one of the world's great scenic rail journeys.



The route passes through the Macalister Range as well as several suburbs of Cairns en route to Kuranda on the Atherton Tablelands. 

While predominantly used for tourism, it is still also used for some freight and other passenger services. 

It operates daily throughout the year, with the exception of Christmas Day, and a one-way trip takes just under two hours. 

Adult return fares currently cost $87.00 but prices will rise from March 2027.

See https://www.ksr.com.au/

Vinarchy banks on sangria for summer sipping

Drinks giant Vinarchy is banking on a new Spanish-style spritz making a major impact this Down Under summer.

A new summer spritz line-up across Australia and New Zealand is to be led by cans of Campo Viejo Sangria Spritz RTD. 

The the new Vinarchy line-up also features spritz-style drinks under the Jacob’s Creek and Tatachilla labels. 

The Campo Viejo Sangria Spritz is a new 330mL canned RTD from Spain’s best-selling Rioja wine brand, inspired by one of the country’s most recognisable summer drinks. 

It is a combo of Spanish red wine and natural citrus flavours made to be enjoyed chilled. 

“Campo Viejo Sangria Spritz brings one of summer’s most recognisable drinks into a format that feels made for how people are drinking now: colourful, sparkling, easy to chill and simple to share," says Amy Darvill, Vinarchy marketing director for APAC. 

"Sangria has always had that sense of sunshine, flavour and getting together with friends, and this gives it a fresh, modern twist for Australian summer occasions.

“For retailers and venues, it gives wine a really strong way into the lighter refreshment space, led by the colour and energy of Campo Viejo and supported by a wider spritz line-up across rosé, citrus and tropical flavour cues. Together, the range gives consumers more ways to discover wine in moments that feel relaxed, social and genuinely fun.”

Landmark Brisbane hotel gears up for the Olympic Games

One of Brisbane's landmark hotels is preparing a new look ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games. 

InterContinental Brisbane by IHG has unveiled a multi-million-dollar investment set to "completely reimagine the iconic property". 

Works will start later this months and concluding in late 2027 with the 319-room hotel to "undergo a sweeping, progressive transformation". 

A media release says the design "will infuse interiors with an effortless elegance and timeless luxury through considered detail and an organic connection to light and nature that echoes the hotel's subtropical surrounds, with the refurbishment program also seeing the hotel's room count grow from 319 to 324 upon completion".

Woods Bagot, the design firm behind the transformation of InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, are leading the design vision. 

Hotel interiors will be progressively and comprehensively refurbished, from guest rooms and suites to meeting and event spaces. 

Level Six will feature an all-new concierge gallery, including an upgraded arrival area, lobby, and reception, aligning with InterContinental brand standards.

Dining highlights will include a new Argentinian grill restaurant and intimate Italian pasta and wine bar. 

The hotel will remain open throughout the staged renovation project. 

GM Shaun Parsons said the hotel is looking forward to unveiling a contemporary hospitality experience. 

“This transformation marks a defining new chapter for InterContinental Brisbane and will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the city," Parsons said. 

"Our vision is to reimagine this local icon while paying homage to the iconic Harry Seidler building, bringing together exceptional design, approachable luxury and culturally rich experiences that reflect Brisbane's vibrant spirit.” 

For more info visit ihg.com/intercontinentalbrisbane. 

Tokyo keeps visitors coming back for more

Once tourists have visited Tokyo they cannot stay away.

 
The sprawling Japanese capital is a big favourite with return visitors, the latest Repeat Visitor Ranking list from digital travel platform Agoda reveals.

The list highlights the top 10 destinations across Asia that keep travellers coming back for more.

Based on bookings made during the first half of the year, Agoda reveals that Tokyo has claimed the top spot for the first time, overtaking now second-placed Bangkok.

Rounding out the top five are Bali, Seoul and Osaka. Da Nang, Kuala Lumpur, Fukuoka, Taipei, and Johor Bahru complete the top 10 list.

This year's rankings reveal the rising appeal of Japan and Vietnam as increasingly popular places people love to re-visit. 

Beyond Tokyo's ascent to the top, Fukuoka has entered the top 10 for the first time at number eight, signalling travellers' desire to explore beyond Japan's traditional tourist hubs.

Da Nang in Vietnam has climbed two spots to sixth place, with its stunning beaches, proximity to UNESCO sites like Hoi An, and excellent value, Agoda said.

Andrew Smith, senior vice president for supply at Agoda, said: "Asia is home to so many destinations that are worth revisiting, and what we're seeing is that travellers are building relationships with their favourite cities.

"The shift with Tokyo's rise to number one and destinations like Fukuoka and Da Nang gaining ground show that travellers are finding new reasons to return, whether it's seasonal attractions, undiscovered neighbourhoods, or simply great food."

See www.Agoda.com.

Image: Shibuya, Tokyo