Market Trends

🏡 VIC Properties, a top real estate developer in Portugal, has partnered with Six Senses, an ultra-luxury brand within IHG Hotels & Resorts, for the Pinheirinho project in Comporta. Scheduled for completion in 2028, Six Senses Comporta will anchor the 400-hectare estate, featuring an 18-hole golf course, outdoor sports, equestrian facilities, and direct access to a 62km beach. The property, a former private estate, will include a 70-key hotel and 58 branded residences. VIC CEO João Cabaça and Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs express commitment to sustainability and nature integration. The development will offer a variety of amenities, including a spa, culinary experiences, and a children’s area.

📈 James Bland of BVA BDRC discusses the robust nature of the hotel sector against brand fatigue. KitKat introduced three new flavors in 2025: salted caramel, hazelnut, and double chocolate. IHG acquired the Ruby Hotels brand for €110.5 million, expanding their brand portfolio to 20. With global hotel operators approaching 50 brands each, such as Accor, the focus is on catering to diverse consumer experiences. Brand importance influences only 9% of consumer decisions, yet 53% reflect brand-driven selections. IHG's investment in Ruby Hotels is expected to yield financial benefits, further indicating the industry's trend towards more personalized offerings.

🍴 Emerson Nascimento won the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft World Champion title in 2024. DaVinci Gourmet, partnered with Kerry, focuses on flavor innovation in coffee. The Flavour Genius Academy, launched before 2024, offers training for café professionals in the APMEA region, with monthly virtual gatherings and collaboration with the ASEAN Coffee Institute (ACI) to provide specialized training. Eloise Dubuisson from Kerry Asia Pacific emphasized the winners' role in promoting the brand's flavors and artisanal syrups.

🍷 80% of NA beverage drinkers also consume alcohol, providing a taste reference. Catalan restaurant Gaig, recognized by the Michelin Guide, features Noughty's non-alcoholic (NA) wines. The no- and low-alcohol market is growing by 20% annually, with a forecasted value of $36.6 billion by 2030, where NA beer holds 60% of the market share. The NA wine segment, valued at $52 million, grows by 23% yearly. Noughty, with six premium NA wines, sees popularity in Michelin-starred venues and is favored by chefs like Andrew Pern and Oscar Lorenzzi. The largest NA markets are Europe and the UK, with the US experiencing a rise in nondrinkers. Asia and Singapore's NA demand has increased since 2021, notably for business lunches. The UK sees 55% of drinkers reducing alcohol intake, and 57% of global consumers participated in Dry January or Sober October in 2023. Health concerns drive this shift, with alcohol identified as a leading cause of cancer. NA wine options are effective on wine lists, and Noughty's sparkling Chardonnay has just 14 calories per glass. Restaurants, while facing challenges in stocking NA wine, recognize the evolving consumer preferences and potential for higher profit margins, with Noughty focusing on 'by the glass' placements.

🌳 Designed by Kristian Talvitie and Polestar, KOJA is a sustainable treehouse in Fiskars, Finland. Featuring panoramic windows for a seamless nature experience, it blends futuristic design with ancient woodland, aiming for minimal environmental impact.

📊 EBITDAR is a financial metric used by hotels to measure true profitability, taking into account rent costs. The article suggests EBITDAR is pivotal for smarter financial decisions. Authored by Vanshikha Dhar and referenced by Hotelogix, the focus is on utilizing EBITDAR for a more accurate analysis of profits in the hotel industry. The article, without a specified publishing date, is associated with Hotelogix Blog which offers tips and trends in hospitality. The image is sourced from en.10minhotel.com with a date tag for March 2025.

🏡 Crystal Creek Capital acquires 64-room Planters Inn in Charleston's historic district, planning extensive renovations while preserving historical elements. Built in 1844, the Inn is the only Relais & Châteaux property in the city. The hotel boasts Southern design, modern amenities, and a 5,500-square-foot meeting/event space. Its courtyard is designed by Sheila Wertimer, and the on-site Peninsula Grill restaurant offers Southern cuisine with Lowcountry flavors. Crystal Creek Capital also owns hotels in Jackson, Wyo., and Fort Collins, Colo.

🎷 Reach Hospitality to open Evelyn steakhouse in Dallas on March 26. The 9,500-square-foot venue designed by ICrave will offer steaks, seafood, and classic cocktails. The main dining room seats 85, while the Ruby Room, main bar, and Room Seven lounge will have 75-100 seats each. Martini prices range from $17 to $22. The Price of Fame cocktail costs $150. Menu highlights include Texas Wagyu Strip and dry-aged prime ribeye, with Evelyn closed on Mondays.