Hotel Openings

🍴 Executive Chef Freddy Vargas opened Aitana in New York City's Virgin Hotels on Nov. 15. Aitana offers Latin-Mediterranean cuisine with views of the Empire State Building and features geometric chandeliers and a curated wine selection by sommelier Andrew McFetridge. Vargas, with Ecuadorian and Puerto Rican heritage, infuses his family recipes with fine dining experience, offering dishes like tostones with caviar and a 24 oz. dry-aged ribeye. Inspired by chef Emeril Lagasse, Vargas pursued a culinary career after a brief college stint. Aitana is Vargas’s ninth restaurant venture, reflecting his philosophy of elevating traditional dishes with modern techniques.

🍕 Miami welcomes international culinary influences with the opening of Momento by Ikaro, a Michelin-starred Spanish restaurant's outpost, in Downtown Miami mid-August. Chefs Carolina Sanchez from Ecuador and Iñaki Murua from Spain's Basque region unveiled their first U.S. establishment, merging their backgrounds. Momento spans 4,733 square feet, seating 80, and features a menu with seasonal ingredients, wood-fired branzino, and a bar with global wines. Ikaro Spain gained its Michelin star in 2018 while Michelin arrived in Florida in 2022.

🏖️ Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, a private island resort in Raa Atoll, invites guests for 'Festive Voyage' from December 22, 2024, to January 7, 2025. The event features a Tree Lighting Ceremony, Christmas Eve Dinner, activities supporting local causes, and a White Party on January 3. Wellness Manager Dr. Arjita Kumari introduces Ayurvedic treatments and wellness consultations at Spa Alila. The Sparkling Beauty package starts at £310 and the Detox Retreat from £750.

🏦 Accor announced the signing of Sofitel LEGEND pyramids GIZA, a luxury hotel opening late 2027 near the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt. This partnership with Abu Dhabi Tourism Investment Company (ADTIC) marks the second Sofitel Legend in Egypt, the eighth in the brand's luxury portfolio. The hotel, 500 meters from GEM, will offer 303 rooms and suites, a spa, fitness center, infinity pools, and dining options with views of the Pyramids. ADTIC, established in 1988, is known for landmark hotels and this collaboration aims to redefine Cairo's luxury travel and boost tourism.

🍕 HERA, a 200-seater Greek restaurant located at 4 Arber Way, Stratford, London, E20 1JS, opens on November 21st. The menu features mezze such as anchovies, Kalamata olives, Tarama, Tzatziki, and Melitzanao, dishes grown from the ground like Vegetable Moussaka and Gemista, as well as meat offerings including Grilled Baby Chicken and Lamb Chops. Seafood options include Grilled Octopus and Wild Sea Bass. Signature cocktails like Helen of Spice and Dates in Crete complement the dining experience, alongside a selection of Greek wines. Situated near the ABBA Arena and the upcoming V&A Museum opening in Spring 2026, HERA offers a Mediterranean escape in East London.

🍕 Reza and Mohammed Malekzadeh, co-founders of KIN Café, acquire adjacent site, formerly Cin Cin restaurant, on Foley Street, Fitzrovia. KIN Restaurant, their fifth venue, opens on 18th November, offering vegetarian and vegan lunch and dinner for 32 guests, plus six in a private space. Executive Chef Shayan Shams sources sustainable ingredients for the menu. Operating hours are 12pm – 10.30pm, seven days a week, with proceeds from house wines supporting Born Free Foundation. The Malekzadehs aim to expand the KIN brand across London, enhancing Fitzrovia's culinary scene.

🍴 Caffè Concerto to open its first Northern England restaurant in Leeds on 22nd November. Founded in London in 1996, the Italian-inspired chain expands from 21 UK locations and international presence. The new 200 sq ft venue, with 138 covers, occupies the former Tommy Hilfiger unit at Victoria Gate. It features luxurious decor and outdoor seating on Harewood Street. Menu highlights include afternoon tea, salmon niçoise, and handmade celebration cakes. Leeds marks Caffè Concerto's 22nd UK outlet. Bookings available at caffeconcerto.co.uk.

🏦 Louis Vuitton opens its largest U.S. space on November 15th at 6 E. 57th Street NYC, featuring the American debut of a café, chocolate shop, and a new global culinary concept. The store honors over a century of brand history in the U.S. dating back to 1898, and the first New York City independent store opening in 1980. The location includes a capsule collection celebrating New York style with exclusive leather goods and collectibles. Internationally acclaimed chefs Christophe Bellanca and Marie George join the New York café, while Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric debuts its first U.S. chocolate offerings.

🏙 Angsana Heritage Collection, Marrakech Riads offers a luxurious 5-star experience in six unique riads, featuring amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and a mini bar. Guests can enjoy the Angsana Spa, Moroccan Hammam, and the restaurant Si Said with 100% locally sourced cuisine. Ideal for winter stays, the property includes a rooftop terrace with Medina and Koutoubia Mosque views, and offers activities like hot air balloon rides, trekking tours, and desert excursions. Marrakech attractions beckon with Jemaa el-Fnaa square, souks, and historical sites, complemented by modern nightlife in Gueliz and Hivernage.

🌿 Nearly half of Brits participate in Dry January annually. Veganuary 2025 anticipates surpassing the 25 million global participants of the previous year. Nova Maldives island resort offers plant-based and alcohol-free options for January 2025, along with cocktail-making classes starting at £19+ per person. Featured dishes include Maldivian Coconut & Vegetable Curry and Kopee Faiy Salad, made with local ingredients. Mocktails like Solis Sunset Cooler and Cucumber Basil Fizz complement the dining experience. Recipes are available online, celebrating Maldivian wellness and culinary heritage.