Accor to Introduce Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living to Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town

Accor to Introduce Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living to Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 10, 2024

Accor Greater China, in collaboration with Changzhou High-Speed Railway Town and Changzhou High-Tech Group Co., Ltd., has announced a significant hospitality project in the burgeoning community of Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town. This ambitious development will see the introduction of three prominent Accor brands: Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living, marking a major expansion in this key economic zone of Jiangsu province.

The new hospitality project aims to create a diverse and vibrant community in Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town, which is rapidly becoming one of the most crucial economic development zones in Changzhou. This area is strategically linked to the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone and is known for its advancements in sustainable technology, artificial intelligence manufacturing, and various high-tech industries.

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Sofitel Changzhou will bring French luxury and sophistication to the heart of Star City, located next to Changzhou North Station. This hotel will feature 310 elegantly designed guest rooms, a luxurious spa and wellness center with a pool, an executive lounge, and a variety of dining options. Additionally, Sofitel Changzhou will offer extensive meeting facilities, including two elegant ballrooms ideal for weddings and special events. This establishment is set to become a beacon of luxury in an area surrounded by modern businesses, high-end offices, and tech enterprises.

In the nearby Changzhou International Talent Plaza, Accor will develop Novotel Changzhou and Novotel Living Changzhou. Novotel Changzhou will feature a 324-guestroom tower, providing a balanced and welcoming environment for travelers. The adjoining Novotel Living Changzhou will offer 223 rooms designed for extended stays, catering to the needs of modern travelers and young business professionals who prefer a home-like experience. Novotel Living is designed to offer comfortable, apartment-style accommodations, making it ideal for those who mix business with leisure and seek deeper connections with the local community.

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This project is part of Accor’s broader growth strategy in Greater China. The company recently celebrated the opening of its 700th hotel in the region, with plans to open more than 100 hotels by the end of the year and over 150 development projects currently underway. Gary Rosen, CEO of Accor Greater China, said “Accor is a market leader in matching the right brand with the right destination, in line with our partner’s development objectives. Working with Changzhou High-Tech Group, we have the ideal opportunity to create an inspired mix of luxury, midscale and extended stay hotels that we believe will be ideally suited to the vibrant and booming community of Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town.”

Ge Yafang, Secretary of the Party Committee and General Manager of Changzhou High-Speed Railway Town and Changzhou High-Tech Group, said “Accor is an obvious leader when it comes to offering a wide range of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands, such as Sofitel and Novotel, which we are excited to bring to the city of Changzhou. The addition of Novotel Living will add a modern and fresh spin on the hospitality experience, which is particularly important to the young business travelers who are increasingly traveling to Changzhou and wanting to connect with the local community.”

Accor’s entry into Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town with Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living marks a pivotal moment in the area’s development. This project not only enhances the hospitality landscape but also supports the broader economic growth of this key region. 


Royal Caribbean Opens Bookings for First Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas

Royal Caribbean Opens Bookings for First Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 6, 2025

Royal Caribbean has officially opened bookings for its highly anticipated Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the brand’s first beach club experience debuting in December 2025 in The Bahamas. Designed to redefine the ultimate beach day, the all-inclusive destination merges Royal Caribbean’s signature service with the vibrant Bahamian spirit. Guests booked on cruises visiting Nassau from late December 2025 can now reserve all-inclusive day passes featuring access to pristine beaches, three pools, and 10 bars—including the world’s largest swim-up bar, The Floating Flamingo.

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The beach club also introduces the Ultimate Family Cabana, a two-story private retreat with a personal attendant, whirlpool, slide, and more for up to 12 guests. Whether vacationers seek chill vibes at The Deep End pool, family-friendly fun, or DJ-driven party energy on The Party Deck, the Royal Beach Club offers an experience for every mood. 

Authentic island fare, live music, local artisan shops, and inclusive perks such as roundtrip water transportation, Wi-Fi, lockers, umbrellas, and towels complete the experience. Day passes available for adults with unlimited open bar and dining, while non-alcoholic options available for both teens and kids.

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Additional upgrades include beach and poolside cabanas, drink package bundles, and exclusive access to The Party Deck’s private poolside service. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be accessible via cruises from six U.S. cities and marks the first in a growing list of exclusive destinations, with Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico set to follow in the coming years.


Wynn Al Marjan Island Introduces Enclave, An Ultra-Luxury Jewel in the Sky

Wynn Al Marjan Island Introduces Enclave, An Ultra-Luxury Jewel in the Sky

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 6, 2025

Wynn Al Marjan Island, the much-anticipated luxury destination opening in early 2027 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, has unveiled Enclave, a hyper-exclusive residential experience that reimagines luxury hospitality. Perched atop the resort’s 1,000-foot tower, Enclave offers just 313 meticulously designed rooms, ranging from plush Enclave King Suites to two sprawling Royal Apartments, each a masterstroke by acclaimed designers Anouska Hempel and Pinto Design.

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Every detail, from platinum and sea mist tones to dual pantry service and culturally sensitive in-suite amenities, reflects an unmatched level of craftsmanship, privacy, and refinement. Guests arrive through a private verdant drive into an Enclave-only lobby, followed by private elevator access to floors housing no more than 15 suites each, ensuring tranquillity and exclusivity. With a private beach, three pools, and on-demand beach butlers, Enclave transforms leisure into luxury. 

Culinary offerings include an Enclave-exclusive skylit Lebanese restaurant and a chic Lobby Lounge serving artisanal cocktails and petit menus. Wynn’s design ethos “veiling and revealing”  is woven into every touchpoint, with thoughtfully curated art, lush gardens, and a sensory restraint that whispers rather than shouts luxury.

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This rarefied atmosphere, rich in storytelling and elegance, is set within the broader Wynn Al Marjan Island development that spans 60 hectares with 1,217 rooms, world-class dining, wellness facilities, designer boutiques, a marina for superyachts, and Coral Court for grand events. With construction on track and the tower spire topping out in 2025, Enclave stands poised to become the crown jewel of ultra-luxury living in the Middle East and beyond.


Holland America Line Celebrates America’s 250th with Historic Cruise from Boston

Holland America Line Celebrates America’s 250th with Historic Cruise from Boston

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 6, 2025

Holland America Line is set to mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 with a landmark seven-day cruise aboard the Zuiderdam, sailing roundtrip from Boston on July 4th. Titled the “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage,” this special itinerary includes a scenic overnight in New York, a visit to Saint John in Canada, and a historic call at Norfolk, Virginia offering exclusive access to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. 

The cruise kicks off with a unique sailaway during Boston’s Fourth of July fireworks and includes opportunities to experience key American landmarks such as the Freedom Trail, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Guests will also witness the majestic “Sail 4th 250” tall ships flotilla in New York Harbor during Zuiderdam’s overnight stay.

The journey promises a deep dive into U.S. heritage with curated excursions and patriotic onboard celebrations. With fares starting at $1,459 per person, this immersive voyage blends history, culture, and celebration for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise experience.

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