Six Senses unveils ambitious plans

Luxury hotel brand Six Senses is planning an ambitious expansion in 2027, with five new luxury properties scheduled to open across Europe, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The new properties will add city hotels, historic estates and destination resorts to the Six Senses portfolio.

The openings will strengthen the brand’s presence in key luxury markets, including Italy, Spain and France, while extending its Middle East footprint, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Six Senses Milan (top image) is scheduled to open in early 2027 in Brera, opposite the Pinacoteca di Brera and close to Milan’s Duomo.

The 85-room property will feature 69 rooms and 16 suites, including two with private relaxation pools and another with a private terrace and 12.5-meter pool. Dining options will include a seasonal restaurant and deli, alongside two bars, including a rooftop venue.

The Six Senses Spa will feature a 15-meter indoor pool, saunas, hammam, cold plunge and rooftop pool. An Earth Lab will focus on sustainability and community initiatives.

In Spain, Six Senses Quexigal Palace will bring the brand to a historic estate near Madrid in early 2027. Built in 1563 by architect Juan de Herrera, the property was once a royal country residence and hunting lodge.

Six Senses Tel Aviv will also open in early 2027, combining five historic buildings dating from 1909 with a new 10-story tower. The project will feature 140 hotel rooms and 55 residences, plus a spa, rooftop sky pool and cocktail bar, chef-led restaurant and Six Senses Place. It might prove a hard sell.

In France, Six Senses Loire Valley is targeted for the third quarter of 2027.

The resort will feature 88 suites and villas, a golf course with a second 18-hole course planned, equestrian and tennis facilities, an organic farm and extensive hiking and cycling trails. Another 70 private villas are planned.

The expansion will extend into the Gulf with Six Senses Wadi Safar in Saudi Arabia scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Bangkok greets new hotel brand making its Asian debut

Looking to enjoy Bangkok on a budget? 

After opening in Alice Springs this week, greet, Accor's economy hotel brand, has made its Asia debut with the opening of greet Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 Jono. 

The 65-room hotel brings greet's no-frills offering in an appealing location on Sukhumvit Soi 16, close to Asok BTS Station and Sukhumvit MRT Station. 

That means easy connections to Bangkok's key business districts, shopping destinations and entertainment areas. Benjakitti Park, one of the city's largest green spaces, is also nearby.

The hotel's shared Feel Good Space features lounge seating, a co-working area and a library corner where guests can work, unwind or connect. A 24-hour front desk provides added convenience throughout the stay.

The hotel offers four room categories: Pop Deep Sleep Room, Pop Art Room, Pop Recharge Room and Pop RechargeX Room. 

Each room accommodates up to two guests and is designed around greet's essentials including a king-size bed, reliable wifi, and a shower.

Garth Simmons, Accor’s region Chief Operating Officer, said: "The debut of greet in Asia reflects the growing demand for hospitality that is refreshingly uncomplicated, delivering the feel-good essentials that make every stay genuinely comfortable at a price that makes sense. 

"Bangkok is the ideal starting point for greet's regional journey. As one of Asia's most dynamic travel destinations, the city offers a compelling opportunity to introduce a brand that helps a new generation of travellers feel good through comfort, quality and exceptional value.”

Dan Bergstén, General Manager of greet Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 Jono, said: “We look forward to welcoming guests to a relaxed and friendly hotel designed around the things that matter most. From our comfortable rooms and welcoming shared spaces to our central Sukhumvit location, every element has been considered to help guests feel good throughout their stay.”

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit: https://all.accor.com/hotel/C7B4/index.en.shtml

Motto by Hilton hotel brand to make its Australian debut

Hilton has announced plans for the Australian debut of its Motto by Hilton lifestyle hotel brand.

“Motto by Hilton recently debuted in Asia Pacific with the opening of Motto by Hilton Hong Kong SoHo, and we’re excited to bring even more of Motto’s dynamic energy to vibrant neighbourhoods across the region," said Tal Shefer, senior vice president, brand management, Asia Pacific, for Hilton.

"With rooms that are designed to flex, and common spaces that are social by nature, Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre [will be] a perfect example of a cleverly compact launchpad that will connect explorers with the pulse of the city.”

There are currently 10 Motto by Hilton properties in prime urban locations around the world, including New York and Nashville.

The Australian expansion is the latest announcement in a pipeline of 23 additional Motto by Hilton properties currently in planning and development.

Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre will mark the debut of Hilton's seventh brand in Australia and will see an office building redeveloped. 

Located on York Street in Sydney CBD, Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre will see guests close to The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and within easy walking distance of Barangaroo.

It will be located between Wynyard and Town Hall stations.

“The location has been strategically selected in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant food scene, placing guests amongst some of the city’s most iconic experiences,” said Tushar Raniga, director, development, Hilton, Australasia.

“Motto by Hilton is redefining the city stay, bringing a fresh, dynamic approach to hospitality in some of the world’s most renowned destinations. The signing of the Sydney property marks the next step in this evolution, grounded in Hilton’s legacy of delivering exceptional guest experiences”

Set to open in late 2027, the property will feature 152 rooms, including 96 standard rooms, 14 bunk rooms, 14 flex rooms, eight accessible rooms and 20 suites.

“We are thrilled to partner with Hilton in bringing the Motto by Hilton concept to Sydney,” said Chayadi Karim, principal, Invictus Developments.

Anantara hotel brand to make Australian debut in Perth

Anantara, a leading high-end hotel brand in Asia, is set to make its Australian debut in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. 

Minor Hotels, the hotel brand owner and operator, this week signed up for the Anantara Perth Hotel in the Burswood Point precinct.

 

The expansion will bringing Anantara’s Thai-inspired hospitality to one of Australia’s fastest‑growing capital cities.

The hotel will anchor the $3.8 billion Burswood Point development, which will open in 2032. 

Anantara Perth will become a flagship destination on the Swan River waterfront with the new-build. property to be developed by Golden Sedayu, a partnership between Perth’s Golden Group and Agung Sedayu, one of Indonesia’s leading property developers. 

The hotel will have 150 contemporary guest rooms and suites, two destination restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness centre and an Anantara Spa. 

Anantara Perth will join a collection of over 50 Anantara properties. Minor Hotels also operates Australian properties under its Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites and Avani Hotels & Resorts brands. 

"We are delighted to introduce Anantara to Australia. Perth is experiencing rapid development across its urban and tourism landscape, creating the ideal environment for a property of this standard," said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. 

"Anantara Perth represents our commitment to expanding world-class luxury experiences into new markets.”

Burswood Point is being promoted as "a world‑class entertainment, tourism, and residential destination". 

A nod’s as good as a Wink for Hyatt

Fast-growing Vietnamese hotel brand Wink is now part of the Hyatt family.

Six existing properties of the Winx brand - and one still under construction - have joined the Unscripted by Hyatt portfolio, more than doubling Hyatt’s presence in Vietnam.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Indochina Kajima announced the strategic agreement, which marks the global debut of the Unscripted by Hyatt brand and will expand Hyatt’s presence in Vietnam to new destinations including Can Tho, Tuy Hoa and Hai Phong.

Under the agreement, six operating Wink properties: Wink Saigon Centre, Wink Danang Centre, Wink Danang Riverside, Wink Tuy Hoa Beach, Wink Can Tho Centre and Wink Hai Phong Centre join the Unscripted by Hyatt brand collection, taking Hyatt’s hotel portfolio in Vietnam from ffour to 10.

Wink Hanoi Westlake is set to open in late 2026. The combined seven Wink properties represent more than 2,000 rooms across key destinations.

“This relationship with Indochina Kajima and Wink marks a milestone in our strategy to expand Hyatt’s brand presence in the dynamic Vietnam market,” said Stephen Ho, president for Greater China and Growth, Asia Pacific, at Hyatt.

“The Unscripted by Hyatt brand is an ideal match for the modern, tech-savvy and social-centric ethos of Wink. We are thrilled to bring this fresh, adventurous brand to a new generation of Vietnamese travellers and international guests.”

As part of Hyatt’s Essentials portfolio, the upscale Unscripted by Hyatt brand is designed to be flexible and conversion-friendly enabling independent hotels to preserve their own identity while gaining access to Hyatt’s systems and global platforms.

For properties like Wink, this means transitioning with minimal disruption while tapping into Hyatt’s global scale and the World of Hyatt loyalty program with more than 61 million members.

Wink, founded five years ago, was "built on the belief that Vietnamese travelers deserve design-forward, tech-enabled hotels that don't compromise on personality,” said Michael Piro, CEO of Indochina Capital and Wink. 

“Joining the Unscripted by Hyatt brand allows us to scale that vision while staying true to what makes Wink different: our contemporary ethos, sustainable DNA and modern Vietnamese style with nostalgic touches.”

See https://wink-hotels.com/

* Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, has a portfolio included more than 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 82 countries across six continents.

Hyde hotel brand makes its Australian debut

Does Australia need another new hotel brand? Probably not.

But we've got one anyway, with Ennismore launching its Hyde brand in Melbourne.

Hyde Melbourne Place is in the heart of Melbourne's CBD with the property formerly known as simply Melbourne Place marking the Hyde brand's debut in Australia.

Hyde has presence in locations including Miami, Dubai, London, and Johannesburg and is billed as offering "lifestyle hospitality".

Hyde Melbourne Place joins Ennismore's trio of flagship soon-to-be openings in Australia this year - Hyde Perth, Mondrian Gold Coast, and 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia.

“Melbourne's creative spirit, bold energy, and cultural richness make it the perfect setting for Hyde's Australian debut," said Jodi Brown, newly appointed general manager of Hyde Melbourne Place.

"With its bohemian aesthetic, playful spirit, and deep roots in music and design, Hyde Melbourne Place will offer guests more than just a stay: it will be a full sensory experience.

"We can't wait to reveal what's coming, including vibrant spaces, live music moments, and design that truly speaks to the heart of Melbourne's artistic community.”

Hyde Melbourne Place is at 130 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000. See https://all.accor.com/hotel/C4B0/index.en.shtml

Ennismore is a global collective founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha. 

Ennismore and Accor entered a joint venture in 2021.

Moxy bounces impressively into Bangkok

Marriott’s lively Moxy brand of hotels bills itself as being "for the young and young-at-heart". Guest contributor and Seniors’ Card holder Roderick Eime tests that claim at the one-year-old Bangkok property.

The Marriott people really broke out of the stodgy “cookie-cutter” hotel business with the introduction of the Moxy lifestyle brand, and the fresh Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong fits like the proverbial glove into this boisterous, youthful persona that now comprises 100-something sister properties around the world.

Both GOTR publisher Winsor and I have defied our advanced years and grown to embrace this outlandish brand. {See Winsor's review of the Glasgow Moxy)

My introduction to this offbeat brand was the first Australian property, the Moxy Sydney Airport. It struck me immediately with its brash, industrial-chic decor, which included various nods to retro eras like vinyl records and classic vintage arcade games.

Punchy beats echo around the welcome area, along with Liberace-meets-Banksy-meets-Warhol decorations and wall art. Naturally enough, these intentionally gaudy spaces lend themselves to social media sharing, a smart marketing strategy given the target customer base.

While similar in style and feel, the Bangkok property is the first and largest Moxy hotel in the Asia-Pacific region. It is located in the vibrant and rapidly developing Pathum Wan district, near the Chit Lom BTS, and takes the Moxy concept to the next level.

With more than 500 rooms on 20 levels, the accommodation is almost identical to what I recall from the Sydney Airport version. Sixty percent of the rooms are standard queen rooms, with the remainder in twin and deluxe configurations.

If I had any criticism at all, it would be the “cabin” size (18sqm) of the entry-level rooms, although the available space is cleverly adapted so that one doesn’t feel cluttered. Features like the “walldrobe” and folding furniture maximise the scant floor space, and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows offer a dizzying cityscape panorama.

The largest rooms are the deluxe 36sqm ones (above), of which there are 18. Another 18 corner rooms offer 26sqm of floorspace.

As a finicky sleeper whose aging bones are easily upset with many mattress types, even the expensive ones, I can soundly (pun intended) say the Simmons brand mattresses preferred by many top hotel chains, including Marriott, mean I don’t have to crane myself out of bed in the morning.

Comparisons with my local experience diverge completely when it comes to dining and event spaces. While Moxy Bangkok still retains an “industrial” feel with its long-bench cafeteria format, it blends perfectly with the arena-sized space on Level 9 where the reception, bar and various play spaces are located.

An expansive, themed outdoor terrace area is ideal for large or small events, and guests can choose to dine there while overlooking Bangkok’s glitzy ‘Blade Runner’ cityscape.

The ‘grab’n’go’ convenience booth is still tucked into the wall opposite the bar for those on the move, but a fulsome sit-down experience is preferred, especially since the kitchen proudly spruiks its many delicious offerings.

Chef P and his deputy chef Mind (above), proudly recommend some of the tasty creations offered in the Moxy Bar & Restaurant while I ponder the many choices. It seems the Massaman beef curry is their dinner favourite, while pork (or chicken) in black sauce soup is suggested as a bold breakfast boost - and I find both hard to dispute.

The cocktail menu reads like a Hollywood film festival and exemplifies the breakout bravado of the bar team. As they say in their own words, “our new cocktail line-up is a love letter to iconic scenes and legendary characters.” They go on to tease us with such creations as The Infinity Kiss, The Ice Berg, Hunter’s Last Shot, Galactic Stardust and Felix Felicis. I’ll leave you to make the various cinematic connections.

Promotions of various kinds are always on offer at the Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, both with food and beverage and the rooms. For example, the ‘STAY FOR BREAKFAST’ promotion runs all year and entitles guests to a complimentary breakfast with their stay, normally THB399. I can personally attest to this feast, which will easily sustain you through your busy Bangkok day.

For more information, guests can contact Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong via email at moxy.bkkox.rsvn@moxyhotels.com, by phone at 02 209 5999, through LINE @MoxyBangkok, or visit the official website at www.moxybangkokratchaprasong.com. Culinary deals are also available for browsing via LINE Shopping at https://shop.line.me/@moxybangkok.

Marriott Bonvoy members receive special promotional offers and can earn various loyalty rewards, including Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

# The writer stayed with assistance from the Moxy. 

Andaz hotel brand to debut in Australia

 

It has taken 17 years, but the Hyatt group has unveiled plans for its for first Andaz hotel in Australia.

The Andaz brand (meaning personal style in Hindi/Urdu) was launched in 2007 and Andaz Gold Coast will open in 2025 as part of The Star Gold Coast integrated resort.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered into agreements with a Destination Gold Coast Consortium for an Andaz resort.

Destination Gold Coast Consortium is a joint venture between parent company,The Star Entertainment Group, and its two partners, Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.

The Star Gold Coast is slated to open in mid-2025, marking the debut of the Andaz brand in Australia and the Pacific region.

“We are thrilled to announce plans to bring the Andaz brand to Australia's premier resort destination in collaboration with The Star Gold Coast,” said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, for Hyatt.

“Hyatt has had a brand presence in Australia for over 40 years, and we are excited to expand our luxury, lifestyle and leisure offerings into sought-after destinations like the Gold Coast. This resort will complement our current portfolio of 10 hotels under five distinct brands in Australia, including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Place.”

I'm sure I am not alone in being unable to differentiate between those brands.

“We are delighted to welcome Andaz Gold Coast to our world-class tourism and entertainment precinct," said The Star Gold Coast general manager hotels Steven McPharlin.

"As part of The Star Gold Coast's AU$2 billion (approximately US$1.33 billion) masterplan, we are proud to continue our investment in this dynamic city while also providing new employment opportunities alongside vibrant hospitality experiences.”

With close to 30 global properties, including in gateway cities such as Tokyo, Singapore, New York and London, and resort destinations like Bali and Maui, the Andaz brand "celebrates and empowers self-expression through imaginative travel".

That's marketing speak. I have no idea what is actually means.

But "the ethos of sophisticated whimsy encourages guests to connect with their innermost curiosities and awaken to new experiences with a local twist". OK.

The Star Gold Coast is set on Broadbeach Island.

Occupying floors six to 21 of the 65-story second tower, the Andaz hotel will have 202 guest rooms and suites, a fitness centre and three food and beverage outlets.

“The Gold Coast is a world-renowned region, and it is energizing for the tourism industry to be welcoming a new international hotel brand to the region,” said Patricia O'Callaghan, Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive officer.

“More than four million Australians visited the Gold Coast last year and we are steadily working our way to recover international arrivals to one of Australia's best known and well-loved destinations.”

To learn more about Andaz hotels see www.andaz.com.

Australia to get its first The Hoxton hotel

Australia is to get its first property under the hip The Hoxton hotel brand.

Ennismore, a fast-growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, and Alfasi Group, a design-driven property developer, this week announced the signing of The Hoxton in Melbourne as part of the Matchworks Precinct at Church Street, Cremorne. 

The inner suburb is close to Richmond and South Yarra and just three kilometres from the CBD. 

 
Set to open in 2027, the hotel will bring The Hoxton’s chic style to Australia for the first time.

The Hoxton brand was founded in 2006 by Sinclair Beecham, co-founder of sandwich shops Pret a Manger. It launched with The Hoxton, Shoreditch, in East London.

The brand was purchased in in 2012 by Ennismore, owned by Sharan Pashricha, an Indian-born entrepreneur based in London.

The hotel will feature 198 guest rooms in the classic Hoxton categories, including cosy, roomy, and biggy.

The hotel will celebrate its locality through art, design, retail and eclectic programming, with interiors taking inspiration from the building’s history and creative local community and surroundings.

The Hoxton will have three food and beverage outlets: an all-day dining destination, café, bar, and signature restaurant.

Other features will include The Apartment, the brand’s hybrid event spaces centred around a communal pantry, and a gym.

“We are delighted to bring The Hoxton to Australia for the first time," says Pashricha.

"As free-spirited as it is sophisticated, Melbourne has been in our sights for a long time for The Hoxton, and Cremorne is a perfect fit for the brand.

"Our guests and brand followers have long been asking for a Hoxton in Australia, and we’re thrilled to finally make it happen in a brilliant building steeped in history and started life as a matchstick factory. We look forward to making our guests feel at home while discovering the very best of our new neighbourhood.”

The Hoxton has hotels in key cities across the UK, Europe and North America. See ennismore.com

Celebrating 60 years of Sebel hospitality

Sebel is an enduring hotel brand built on the legend of one property that is no longer with us.

But the Sebel brand continues to be a premium one across Australia and New Zealand

The Sebel Townhouse in Sydney's Elizabeth Bay was a scene of much debauchery in its heyday, frequented by the likes of Elton John, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Bette Davis.

David Bowie and Dire Straits were also guests and in 1984 it hosted the reception of Elton John's short-lived marriage to Renate Blauel.

Now part of Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia and New Zealand, the Sebel brand is celebrating 60 of accommodation history.

From opening its first property in 1963 to the present day, The Sebel brand has had a certain swagger.

While The Sebel Townhouse closed in 2000, there are now 34 The Sebel properties in Australia and New Zealand.

And in January 2024, The Sebel Sydney Martin Place (above, formerly Mercure Sydney Martin Place and completely refurbed) will open in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

"As we celebrate 60 years of The Sebel, we reflect on the brand's enduring legacy of excellence," said Accor regional CEO Sarah Derry.

"The Sebel has consistently delivered exceptional experiences to its guests, and we are proud to be part of its success story. We look forward to continuing to create memorable moments for our guests."

See www.thesebel.com