NEOM Announces Wellness Retreat: NEOM, a sustainable development venture in northwest Saudi Arabia, has unveiled Elanan, a luxury wellness resort surrounded by nature. Located along the coastline of the Gulf of Aqaba, Elanan has 80 rooms and suites. Designed with wellbeing at its heart, this nature resort takes a contemporary approach to wellness and offers a range of distinctive facilities. This resort features a contemporary aesthetic with a unique architectural design. Elanan includes a swimming pool, exclusive fine dining restaurant, sun garden and observation deck. This withdrawal announcement follows the recent announcements of the following sustainable tourism destinations within the Gulf of Aqaba: Reiya, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norana, Akram, Zardan and Zainor.
MCR to acquire London’s BT Tower: MCR, one of the largest hotel owners and operators in the United States, will acquire BT Tower, one of London’s tallest buildings, from BT Group. MCR has agreed to purchase the 620-foot-tall tower and podium, which spans an entire city block, on a freehold basis. The purchase price was not disclosed. MCR will work with London-based Heatherwick Studio to convert the tower into a hotel and open it to the public. BT Group will take several years to vacate the tower and will spend time developing the design and engaging with the local community before announcing a proposal for the building. Opened in 1965, this iconic tower is Grade II listed by the UK Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission. Operated by the BT Group, the BT Tower served as the hub of Britain’s communications network and was open to the public until 1971, with a revolving top floor restaurant.
Tribes advance into Italy: TRIBE, part of Ennismore, expands into the Italian market with the opening of TRIBE Milano Malpensa. The opening is part of the brand’s growth strategy to expand to 50 properties worldwide over the next five years. TRIBE Milan Malpensa has 240 rooms, a gym, a heated pool and an outdoor garden, as well as a distinctive social hub with a cafe and bar concept. The hotel also has a grab-and-go kiosk, lounge and co-working space.
Mercure to Dubai: Accor Group’s Mercure has expanded its presence in the Middle East with the opening of Mercure Dubai Deira. This hotel officially opened on January 19th and is located near the Gold He Souk metro station close to Dubai International Airport. The 152-room hotel features multiple restaurants, a rooftop lounge, meeting rooms, an outdoor terrace, a fitness center and a rooftop infinity pool with views of the Dubai skyline.
Muiono added in Belize. Austin-based hotel management company Muyono Resorts has opened its newest property, Watermark Belize Hotel. Located in San Pedro, Belize, the hotel features a combination of premium rooms and select vacation packages, as well as two restaurant and bar concepts and 3,000 square feet of event space. The hotel features a rooftop pool with views of San Pedro and the Belize Barrier Reef, a spa and a fitness centre. As part of The Watermark’s commitment to the community, the hotel will donate BZ$1 per guest night to San Pedro Roman Catholic School through the Muiono Resort Nightly Giving Program.
