Hotel Openings

🏨 AX Hotels' Verdala Wellness Hotel opened as Malta’s first integrated wellness retreat, located above Rabat’s valleys. The adults-only, 46-room hotel includes a 1,500 sq m spa with seven treatment rooms. Wellness facilities feature a hammam, meditation areas, and holistic therapies. Dining is led by Michelin-star chef Victor Borg with anti-inflammatory menus. The hotel, part of the AX Privilege Collection, targets the booming wellness tourism sector, according to commercial director Josef Sant.

🏨 St. Regis is building its first Costa Rica property, the St. Regis Papagayo Resort, on the Gulf of Papagayo, opening early 2027. Located 25 minutes from Guanacaste International Airport, it will have 120 guest rooms and 143 branded residences, each with a private plunge pool. The resort will feature six dining venues, a spa, and event spaces. Solana, partnered with Sordo Madaleno Architects and Gensler, leads the project, including the Astor Mansion, a 21,161-square-foot estate.

🏨 In 2026, Hyatt will expand its all-inclusive portfolio with Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana, a 406-room, adults-only resort in the Dominican Republic. The resort, managed by Hyatt and owned by GSM Investissements Dominicana S.R.L., will feature nine restaurants, nine bars, three pools, and a convention center for up to 1,000 guests. Hyatt's Unlimited-Luxury inclusions offer pool and beach service, 24-hour room service, and entertainment. The property will be adjacent to Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana.

🏨 London, 2025: Sir Hotels launches its first London location in Devonshire Square, featuring 81 rooms and 14 suites in a restored 17th-century textile warehouse. Designed by Maison 191, the interiors include Bauhaus influences. The hotel offers an all-day dining concept accessible to the public and a cultural program showcasing local art. Guests can contribute £1 to the Sir Cares initiative supporting local social mobility. Future expansions include a private club, restaurant, and gym.

🏨 City of London Corporation plans to convert the Grade I-listed Custom House into a 179-room hotel were approved by the planning committee. Former HMRC offices will feature a spa, health centre, and dining outlets. A 2,400 sq m public riverside space will replace the car park, offering 24/7 Thames access. Part of the 'Destination City' strategy aims to increase hotel rooms from 4,800. Chairman Tom Sleigh emphasized public access and the building's rejuvenation.

🏨 The Hoxton opens its first Irish property in Dublin's Creative Quarter this November, transforming the former Central Hotel on Exchequer Street into a 129-room hotel. The Victorian building features a lobby bar, Cantina Valentina restaurant, a sandwich shop/wine bar, and a basement club. Designed by Ennismore's AIME Studios, the hotel combines traditional Irish pub elements with modern finishes referencing Viking-era discoveries. Located near George’s Street Arcade and Temple Bar, it includes the revamped Library Bar.

🍴 Arthur’s Market, opening this autumn on King’s Road, offers premium groceries and dining. The market features a unique fish counter, artisan sandwiches, and rare Japanese delicacies. Dining options include ASA Izakaya, with counter seating for 12 and evening dining for up to 30, serving Japanese dishes and caviar, and Salvador, offering European small plates with 25 counter seats. Chef Shaulan Steenson leads ASA, using British produce for fresh Japanese cuisine.

🍣 London, 5th September - Chef Scott Hallsworth opened Kuroyoko, a kushiyaki-style restaurant in Balham with 30 seats. Inspired by Tokyo's after-hours dining, the menu features dishes like Chicken Tsukune and Sticky Soy Short Rib. Over 500 signed up for the waitlist at kuroyoko.com, benefitting from a 30% discount. Phase Two will introduce basement karaoke rooms later this year, enhancing the Tokyo-inspired experience.

🍴 London, 5th September: Renowned chef Scott Hallsworth launched Kuroyoko, a 30-seat kushiyaki-style restaurant inspired by Japan's neon backstreets, in Balham. The menu features dishes like Chicken Tsukune and Octopus with yellow chilli miso. Over 500 people joined the waitlist for early access, receiving 30% off their first visit. Kuroyoko's Phase Two will launch later this year, adding private karaoke rooms.

🏨 November 2025, Dublin's Creative Quarter will welcome The Hoxton, Ireland's debut location, situated in the historic Central Hotel on Exchequer Street. Ennismore’s AIME Studios restored the Victorian structure. The hotel offers 129 rooms and four F&B venues, including a lobby bar and Cantina Valentina. It introduces Groundworks, a basement nightlife venue. This follows The Hoxton's 2024 launches in Florence and Edinburgh.