Stephanie Chen

🏖 Waco Surf plans a new 450-acre luxury community, "The Desperado," in Texas, featuring 88 homes, with residents moving in by summer 2027. Homes are designed by FIRMAH Architecture and 3D-printed by ICON. The community includes 44 standalone homes and 44 duplex townhomes, plus surf lagoons, a 13-hole golf course, and other amenities. Vehicles will be limited, with paths for golf carts and bikes. The development targets water neutrality by 2027 through water capture systems.

🏨 Boutique hospitality company Dear Valentine has unveiled Luna and Lyra guesthouses in New Orleans' Lower Garden District. Developed by Melissa Shelton, these homes, part of the Muses collection, offer a combined total of 17 bedrooms and accommodate up to 34 guests. Luna, built between 1865-1871, and Lyra, a 20th-century home, share historical charm with modern amenities, including plunge pools and chef’s kitchens. This launch brings Dear Valentine’s city presence to seven properties.

🏨 Avi Brosh's Palisociety opened Hôtel Lili in Beverly Hills, a 44-room hotel in a 1939 building. Designed by the in-house team, it blends European style with Los Angeles charm. The hotel opts for a residential, atmospheric aesthetic instead of traditional luxury. Public spaces transform from reception areas to a lobby bar by night, offering intimacy and elegance. Guests have access to a nearby swimming pool, enhancing their stay with bespoke amenities.

🏨 La Galerie at Hôtel Fouquet’s Paris has been transformed by Friedmann & Versace into a Parisian lounge inspired by the 1920s and ’30s. Artisans such as Ateliers Gohard and Blundell & Therrien contributed to its Art Deco elegance. Intricate marble and onyx flooring, bronze-inlaid columns, and bespoke wood marquetry enhance the space. Ambient lighting merges with custom bronze and alabaster fixtures, highlighting bespoke furniture like mahogany armchairs and velvet sofas.

🏖 Nikki Beach Hospitality Group will open Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Marrakech in 2028 along Route de l’Ourika. The resort will feature over 100 suites, from 484 to 5,381 sq ft. It will include more than 50 luxury villas, a wellness center, an underground sports complex, and tennis courts. The beach club will feature a large pool with floating platforms, a DJ booth, and retail boutiques. The development aims to offer a comprehensive lifestyle experience.

🎤 IGC Hospitality unveils Winnie's Jazz Club at Refinery Hotel in NYC's Garment District. The club, redesigned by Garrett Singer Architecture + Design, features Art Deco and 1970s-inspired aesthetics. The intimate venue includes a performance stage, plush seating, and sound-absorbing elements. The design balances flapper-era glamour with modern energy, creating a unique atmosphere. Winnie's combines speakeasy allure with a lounge vibe, offering a sensory experience in a historically rich setting.