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By Author
Published on December 2, 2023
In a significant move to highlight Saudi Arabia's burgeoning ultra-luxury hospitality sector, Boutique Group, the first ultra-luxury hospitality group in the Kingdom, announces its participation at the prestigious International Luxury Travel Market Cannes (ILTM Cannes). Scheduled from December 4 to 7, 2023, this flagship luxury travel trade show is a vital platform for the industry's top players.
Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Boutique Group aligns with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture's objectives to develop and promote the nation's tourism industry. The group specializes in transforming historic and cultural palaces into ultra-luxury boutique hotels, setting new industry benchmarks and redefining luxury hospitality in the Kingdom. These developments offer both domestic and international travelers an immersive experience into a modern Saudi Arabia, deeply rooted in tradition.
Boutique Group's portfolio features historically significant properties, including Riyadh’s Red Palace, Jeddah's Al Hamra Palace, and the Aga Khan Award-winning Tuwaiq Palace, each a symbol of architectural and cultural prestige. The renovation of these palaces into luxurious accommodations provides guests with an experience that honors local history and culture, offering unparalleled service standards, cultural immersion, and modern comforts.
With private luxury villas and suites, Boutique Group emphasizes personalized services, including dedicated personal assistants, high-end dining options, and private spa facilities. These iconic palaces represent the epitome of Saudi hospitality and generosity.
As Boutique Group prepares to showcase its unique brand at ILTM Cannes, the world’s most exclusive luxury travel event, it aims to introduce its offerings to leading travel agents, curators, and advisors. ILTM Cannes is renowned for bringing together top hospitality brands and travel designers, with last year’s event attracting over 3,600 professionals from 77 countries.
Mark De Cocinis, CEO of Boutique Group, expressed excitement about participating in ILTM Cannes, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's deep-rooted tradition of hospitality and the Group’s mission to offer a distinct ultra-luxury hospitality experience. He highlighted the significant investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism sector, with the Ministry of Tourism expecting $6 trillion in investments by 2030. As the hospitality sector rapidly expands, Boutique Group aims to engage with global industry peers at ILTM Cannes and contribute to the Kingdom’s growing prominence in the luxury travel market.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 17, 2026
The stage is set for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with defending champions Argentina set to take on Spain on Sunday, July 19, in what promises to be one of the tournament's biggest encounters.
Argentina booked its place in the final after a thrilling 2-1 victory over England in the semi-final. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored late to complete the comeback, while Lionel Messi played a key role by providing two assists. Spain, meanwhile, reached the summit clash after maintaining its impressive run throughout the tournament.
Ahead of the final, former England striker Robbie Fowler and Germany goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn, speaking as ZEE5 experts, said Spain has been one of the standout teams at the World Cup. However, they also believe Argentina has the experience and quality to challenge the European champions if it can capitalise on the opportunities created.
With football fever building across the country, the Karnataka government has announced extended operating hours for hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to allow fans to enjoy the late-night matches.
Following a representation from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the state government has permitted hotels and restaurants to remain open until 3:30 a.m. on July 14, July 15 and July 19, when key FIFA World Cup matches are scheduled to be played late at night in India due to time-zone differences.
Sharing the announcement, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the decision was taken to ensure football enthusiasts can enjoy the matches without inconvenience.
The relaxation has been granted under the provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, allowing hotels and restaurants to continue serving guests until 3:30 a.m. on the notified dates.
Following the government's decision, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh issued the necessary orders permitting late-night screenings of FIFA World Cup matches and extending the operating hours of hotels and restaurants.
The move is expected to benefit Bengaluru's hospitality sector, with restaurants, cafés and hotels preparing to welcome football fans for the much-awaited Argentina vs Spain final on Sunday.
Azerai Ke Ga Bay has appointed Praveen Subramanian as its new Spa Manager, reinforcing the luxury resort's focus on wellness and holistic guest experiences. The appointment marks another step in enhancing the resort's acclaimed yoga and spa programme at its peaceful bayside property in southern Vietnam.
Bringing extensive experience in yoga and holistic health, Praveen will oversee a range of wellness sessions including traditional yoga, elemental yoga, signature breathwork, ocean breath meditation, and specialised programmes focused on anxiety and stress relief. He will also lead sessions centred on the art of massage, offering guests personalised wellness experiences.
Commenting on his new role, Praveen Subramanian said:
"Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers the perfect setting to reconnect with nature and oneself. We bring together healthy habits, mindful living, and inner balance to create true harmony. By tailoring personalized wellness experiences, we inspire sustainable wellbeing, vitality, and joyful living every day."
The resort's outdoor yoga sessions are among its key wellness experiences, allowing guests to practise amidst lush natural surroundings with views of the sea and refreshing coastal breezes.
Spread across 4.5 hectares of landscaped gardens, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is surrounded by scenic attractions, with Hon Ba Island and its historic lighthouse to the east and expansive sand dunes to the west. Conveniently located around 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City via a new highway, the resort was awarded a MICHELIN Key in 2025 and was recently recognised among Vietnam's top upcountry hotels by Travel + Leisure this year.
The resort's spa offers a broad selection of treatments, including deep-tissue and relaxing massages, stone therapy, body scrubs, wraps, facials, and hand and foot rituals. Many of these therapies are inspired by traditional Vietnamese healing practices that have been passed down through generations.
Azerai's sister property, Azerai La Residence in Hue, also continues to expand its wellness offerings. The heritage art deco hotel overlooking the Perfume River recently introduced a new Wellness Package featuring daily breakfast, Vietnamese afternoon tea, a 60-minute daily spa treatment for two, a signature bath ritual and complimentary late check-out.
Earlier this year, Azerai La Residence was named among the "500 Best Hotels" by Travel + Leisure and was also recognised as one of Vietnam's best upcountry hotels in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026.
Both Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence are part of the hospitality portfolio of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha.
By Hariharan U
Published on July 16, 2026
Italian luxury furniture brand Poltrona Frau has unveiled Infinitamente 2.0, a new sculptural dining table designed by Roberto Lazzeroni, marking a new chapter in the evolution of the Infinito family. The latest creation was presented during Milan Design Week 2026 and joins the brand’s permanent collection following the limited-edition Infinito table launched in 2021 and the Infinitamente table introduced in 2023.
Designed as an expression of timeless elegance and Italian craftsmanship, Infinitamente 2.0 expands the original concept into an extra-large dining table measuring over three metres in length and capable of seating up to twelve guests. The design continues Poltrona Frau’s philosophy of creating furniture pieces that transcend trends and become part of personal stories, memories, and everyday experiences.
At the centre of the design is a distinctive staggered double-oval marble top, inspired by the symbolism of infinity and the complementary balance of Yin and Yang. The sculptural form represents harmony, continuity, and connection, making the table a statement piece designed for contemporary spaces focused on gathering and shared experiences.
The table’s two helicoidal bases feature softly chamfered surfaces upholstered in Pelle Frau® ColorSphere® Impact Less leather, showcasing Poltrona Frau’s renowned craftsmanship. The leather application technique draws inspiration from luxury automotive interiors, reflecting the brand’s expertise in combining traditional artisan skills with advanced manufacturing processes.
Infinitamente 2.0 offers a wide range of marble options, including Bianco Carrara, Calacatta, Arabescato Venato, and Ombra di Caravaggio, available in polished, semi-polished, and naturally polished finishes. Each marble top is crafted from a single slab divided into two sections and reinforced with technical mesh to improve resistance against bending, breakage, and impact.
A stainless steel blade insert elegantly completes the connection between the two marble sections, adding both structural strength and visual refinement. The different surface treatments enhance the natural character of the stone while improving durability and resistance for everyday use.
The table base is constructed using MDF and birch plywood components, with internal beech pins and metal plates ensuring stability and strength. The leather-covered supports create a contrast between the natural richness of marble and the warmth of handcrafted upholstery.
Infinitamente 2.0 represents the continuation of Roberto Lazzeroni’s exploration of sculptural furniture design. The original Infinito table, presented in 2021 as a numbered limited edition, featured an exclusive Rosso Lepanto marble top sourced by Poltrona Frau and positioned as a collectible objet d’art. The 2023 Infinitamente edition further developed the concept with a white Versilia marble top and multiple size variations.
With the new Infinitamente 2.0, Poltrona Frau transforms the artistic vision into a permanent collection piece designed for luxury residences, hospitality environments, and sophisticated interiors worldwide.
The table debuted exclusively on April 14, 2026, at the Poltrona Frau flagship store on Via Manzoni 30 in Milan during Milano Design Week. It will subsequently become available through selected Poltrona Frau stores globally and the brand’s European e-commerce platforms.
Part of Haworth Lifestyle, Poltrona Frau continues to represent the intersection of Italian design heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury. Founded in 1912, the brand has built a global reputation for premium furnishings, leather craftsmanship, custom interiors, and collaborations with leading international designers.
Through Infinitamente 2.0, Poltrona Frau reinforces its commitment to creating enduring design pieces that celebrate material innovation, artistic expression, and the timeless value of handcrafted luxury.
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