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Laura

37 posts
Living room with green striped walls, a beige sofa with colorful cushions, and large arched artwork above a coffee table.
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  • 3 min

Rocco Forte Hotels Completes €9 Million Refurbishment of Hotel Savoy in Florence and Enhancements at Hotel de Russie in Rome

🏨 Rocco Forte Hotels completed major refurbishments at Hotel Savoy in Florence and Hotel de Russie in Rome. In Florence, the €9 million project included a 3-year redesign of 46 rooms, emphasizing local craftsmanship with bespoke parquet flooring and Arabescato marble. New dining spaces feature a Tuscan menu. In Rome, the hotel’s reception area was redesigned with over 90% bespoke Italian furnishings, blending contemporary and classic Roman styles. Both projects enhance the local connections and guest experiences.
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Vira International Celebrates 25th Anniversary with UK Hospitality Leaders at SEA LIFE London Aquarium Event

📅 On June 15, Vira International celebrated its 25th anniversary at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. The Harrow-based firm hosted over 200 senior hospitality professionals, including celebrity chefs Vivek Singh and Sameer Taneja. Founded by Anjum Rajan in a garage, Vira has become a leading international recruitment and immigration specialist. The event honored Vira's role in addressing workforce shortages and supporting UK hospitality businesses. Entertainment was provided by Halo Strings, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
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Inigo Launches Three Non-Alcoholic Cocktails with Unique Twist Option for Premium Spirit Pairing

🍹 Inigo, a new British cocktail brand launched by Jon Travers-Smith, offers three bottled cocktails: the Earl Grey Martini, the Korean Paloma, and the Bitter Riot. Each is crafted to be a non-alcoholic drink with a "Stick + Twist" option for adding spirits like gin, tequila, or vodka. Available online for £26 per 500ml, Inigo aims to modernize hosting by accommodating diverse drinking preferences without compromising on quality.
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Four Seasons and Blasson to Open Luxury Hotel with 55 Rooms in Sevilla's Historic Center by 2028

🏨 Opening in 2028, Four Seasons Hotel Sevilla will feature 55 guest rooms across five floors in Sevilla's Arenal Quarter. Located on Plaza Nueva, it will offer direct access to key attractions. The hotel will include a rooftop swimming pool, spa, fitness center, and restaurants. This project, in collaboration with Blasson, emphasizes sustainable tourism. Sevilla, attracting nearly 5 million annual visitors, is 2.5 hours from Madrid via high-speed rail.
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Langham Hospitality Group Appoints Josh Littman as Head of Development for EMEA, Based in London

📈 Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Josh Littman as Head of Development – EMEA, based in London. Littman will focus on expanding across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He brings over 20 years of experience and previously worked at Starwood Hotels. Key projects include The Langham, Venice, and The Langham, Diriyah. His diverse background spans luxury to upscale segments, and he has collaborated with owners and investors globally, enhancing Langham's growth strategy.
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Circumstance Distillery Wins Best New English Distillery; Unveils 6-Year-Old Whisky in 400 Bottle Limited Release

🍷 In 2025, John Hall launched Aureus Vita gin, distilled yearly, inspired by the Fibonacci sequence. At 61.8% ABV, it offers ten distinct flavors and costs £175 per 70cl bottle. Compass Box, since 2000, crafts modern Scotch whiskies like Orchard House at 46% ABV. Trevethan's Grapefruit & Lychee Gin enhances World Paloma Day, May 22. Bristol's Circumstance Distillery, Best New English Distillery, introduces a 6-year-old English whisky. Bunta Beer, a 0.5% non-alcoholic craft beer, wins Gold at the 2026 London Beer Competition.
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Radisson Blu Opens 537-Room Five-Star Hotel in Dubai's Barsha Heights with Extensive Amenities and Dining Options

🏨 Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights opens in May 2026 with 537 rooms and suites in Barsha Heights, Dubai. Featuring five dining venues, 16 meeting spaces for up to 250 guests, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a Kids' Club, it caters to business and leisure travelers. Conveniently located near Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, it's a 25-30 minute drive from Dubai International Airport, offering easy access to key attractions.
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Barbara Göttling Appointed General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Munich, Succeeding Marc Epper from May 2026

🏨 Barbara Göttling was appointed as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Munich on May 1, 2026, succeeding Marc Epper. Born in Vienna, she has over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality. Previously, she was GM at Mandarin Oriental, Prague. Göttling will focus on strategic evolution, personalized guest experiences, and service culture. She is committed to empowering women in hospitality. Mandarin Oriental, Munich is a leading luxury hotel in Europe and Germany.
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CardsSafe Helps Hospitality Venues Prevent Dine-and-Dash and Boost Profits with Secure Card Retention System

💳 CardsSafe, used in hospitality and golf venues since 2008, securely retains credit cards during customer tabs. Notable users include Young’s Pubs, Hilton Hotels, and London Golf Club. Deers Hut in Hampshire has used it since 2013 to manage outdoor customer tabs. CardsSafe prevents dine-and-dash incidents and is wireless, offering flexibility. London Golf Club expanded its use in 2014 and 2020 for equipment hires and refreshments. The system boosts profits by allowing secure transactions without upfront payments.
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Brown’s Hotel Partners with Laurent-Perrier for Exclusive Summer Programme Featuring VIP Access to Iconic London Events

🍾 Brown's Hotel, in collaboration with Champagne Laurent-Perrier, launches "The Brown’s Season" from May to August 2026. This programme offers curated experiences for London’s summer events, such as the Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Ascot, and Wimbledon. Highlights include Boodles Botanical Afternoon Tea (19-23 May) and Harry Styles' concert at Wembley. Founded in 1832, Brown’s provides comprehensive concierge services, including a "Town and Country" package with a stay at The Star in Alfriston. Enjoy a complimentary fourth night from 13 July to 1 September.
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