Capella Hotels and Resorts Named World's Best Hotel Brand Again

Capella Hotels and Resorts Named World's Best Hotel Brand Again

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 14, 2024

Capella Hotels and Resorts has once again been honored as the Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure in their 2024 World's Best Awards. This marks the second consecutive year that Capella has received this prestigious recognition, cementing its reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences and personalized service.

In addition to the overall brand recognition, specific Capella properties have also earned top accolades. Capella Singapore has been named the No. 1 Hotel in Singapore, and Capella Ubud in Bali has been awarded the No. 1 Resort in Indonesia. Other notable mentions include Capella Bangkok, ranked as the No. 2 Hotel in Bangkok, and Capella Sydney, listed as the No. 3 City Hotel in Australia and New Zealand.

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Building on this success, Capella Hotels and Resorts is set to expand its footprint with several new openings. In 2025, Capella will debut in Taipei, Kyoto, and at the Galaxy Macau. The brand will also make its entry into the Middle East with Capella Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, opening in 2026. Further expansions are planned for China, with new properties in Nanjing and Shenzhen expected in 2027.

Artisanal Sojourn: A Unique 21-Day Experience

To celebrate their recent accolades, Capella Hotels and Resorts has launched a special 21-day Artisanal Sojourn. This unique journey is designed to immerse guests in the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of each Capella destination. Priced at USD $300,000, the sojourn offers an unparalleled luxury experience across multiple locations.

The journey begins with a three-night stay at Capella Singapore, where guests can enjoy the charm of restored heritage architecture and participate in a batik workshop with Master Tumadi Patri. The itinerary also includes a stay at Capella Ubud in Bali, featuring a pottery crafting session and a sketching class with designer Bill Bensley.

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Next, guests will find tranquility along the Chao Phraya River at Capella Bangkok, with an exclusive dining experience at the one-Michelin-starred Cote and a bespoke outfit design session with craftsman Vvon Sugunnasil. At Capella Hanoi, guests will be treated to a private opera performance and receive a signed copy of "Magnificent 47" by Bill Bensley.

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The journey continues with personalized wellness experiences at Capella Shanghai, including sessions with Michelin-starred chefs and a live demonstration by Chef Pierre Gagnaire. At Capella Tufu Bay, guests can explore Tanka Village, learn about the Tanka people’s maritime culture, and participate in a seafood cooking class.

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The sojourn concludes in Sydney with a sail along the harbor guided by Aboriginal elder Aunty Margret Campbell, an alfresco lunch by Brasserie 1930’s culinary team, and a private seaplane charter offering stunning views of the city's landmarks.

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About Capella Hotels and Resorts

Capella Hotels and Resorts is renowned for its properties in locations such as Singapore, Sydney, Ubud, Bangkok, Hanoi, Shanghai, and Hainan. Future openings include destinations like Taipei, Kyoto, Riyadh, Nanjing, Shenzhen, and South Korea. The brand is dedicated to highlighting local heritage, culture, and community through thoughtful design and personalized service.

Capella Hotels and Resorts is a member of the DISCOVERY loyalty program, which includes 40 independent hotel brands across over 100 countries. The brand continues to innovate and provide unique guest experiences that reflect the essence of each destination.


Direct Ahmedabad–Colombo Flights Launched with City of Dreams Sri Lanka Partnership

Direct Ahmedabad–Colombo Flights Launched with City of Dreams Sri Lanka Partnership

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, and Walkers Tours have joined hands with FitsAir to introduce direct passenger flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo. This move is set to make international travel easier for travellers from Gujarat while opening up better access to Sri Lanka’s popular leisure destinations.

Operated by FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first private international airline, the new route will run three times a week. The service is aimed at meeting the growing demand for overseas holidays from Gujarat, offering a smooth and direct travel option to Colombo.

With this improved connectivity, travellers can explore a range of premium stays under Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, including Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, and Cinnamon Red Colombo.

Gujarat is steadily growing as an important source market for Sri Lanka, supported by strong cultural connections and increasing interest in international travel. The launch of these direct flights is expected to strengthen tourism between Ahmedabad and Colombo, positioning Sri Lanka as a preferred short-haul destination.

Located in the heart of Colombo, City of Dreams Sri Lanka brings together entertainment, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences. Travellers can also opt for curated holiday packages that include stays at Cinnamon properties along with multi-destination itineraries across Sri Lanka, such as cultural trips to Kandy and beach getaways.

Nayana Mawilmada, President – Leisure & Property, John Keells Holdings, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the Indian market, particularly in Gujarat, which continues to show strong potential for outbound travel. This strategic partnership and the introduction of direct connectivity from Ahmedabad make it significantly easier for travellers to experience the unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and cultural richness that City of Dreams Sri Lanka and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts have to offer.”

Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President – Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, added, “Ahmedabad is an important and fast-growing market for us. With the launch of these direct flights, we are excited to welcome more travellers from Gujarat to Colombo. From the immersive experiences at City of Dreams Sri Lanka to the diverse hospitality offerings across Cinnamon properties, we look forward to delivering memorable stays tailored to Indian guests.”

Nalaka Amaratunga - Chief Executive Officer, Destination Management Sector, Walkers Tours commented, “This partnership marks an important milestone in enhancing connectivity between Ahmedabad and Colombo. By combining direct flights with thoughtfully curated travel packages, we aim to offer a seamless and enriching Sri Lankan holiday experience for travellers from Gujarat.”

Starting from 15 May, 2026, flights will operate three times a week between Ahmedabad and Colombo. Specially curated travel packages by Cinnamon, which include return airfare, a two-night stay with breakfast at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, and private airport transfers, offering a convenient and value-driven travel option.

Travel Schedule – Effective from 15th May

  • Ahmedabad → Colombo: 03:40 – 06:50

  • Ahmedabad → Colombo: 10:45 – 13:55

  • Colombo → Ahmedabad: 23:25 – 02:35

  • Colombo → Ahmedabad: 06:30 – 09:40.


Saudia Introduces Google Feature to Help Track Lost Baggage

Saudia Introduces Google Feature to Help Track Lost Baggage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has introduced Google’s Find Hub share item location feature to make baggage recovery smoother and more efficient. The move adds an optional layer of support for guests dealing with delayed or missing baggage.

With this feature, guests using a compatible tracker tag or Bluetooth device can create a secure and temporary link that shares the location of their baggage. This link can be attached while reporting a lost or delayed bag, allowing Saudia’s ground teams to access real-time location details and speed up the recovery process.

The shared access is time-bound and automatically expires after seven days. Guests can also stop sharing the location at any point, ensuring they stay in complete control of their information throughout the process.

This update works alongside Saudia’s existing baggage handling systems, giving travellers better visibility and added reassurance during their journey. It is designed to make the experience more transparent while keeping things simple and user-friendly.

Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said: “Our focus is on giving guests confidence and reassurance throughout their journey. Initiatives like this reflect our broader commitment to clarity, transparency, and ensuring guests feel informed and in control at every stage of the experience. It is about strengthening trust and providing peace of mind through thoughtful, guest-centered decisions.”

By rolling out this feature, Saudia becomes one of the first airlines globally to adopt such technology, highlighting its focus on digital innovation and improved guest experiences.

The feature has been built with privacy in mind. Location details are shared only for baggage recovery purposes and remain accessible to the airline for a limited time. Once the process is completed or the guest decides to stop sharing, access is automatically removed.

Guests can use this feature by ensuring their device and tracker accessory are compatible and updated to the latest supported software versions.


InterGlobe’s Miiro Opens Second Vienna Property with Miiro Spittelberg

InterGlobe’s Miiro Opens Second Vienna Property with Miiro Spittelberg

By Author

Published on April 6, 2026

InterGlobe Enterprises’ lifestyle hospitality brand Miiro has strengthened its European presence with the opening of Miiro Spittelberg, marking its second property in Vienna.

Located in the historic Spittelberg District, just behind the MuseumsQuartier, the hotel is set within one of the city’s most culturally vibrant neighbourhoods. Known for its cobbled streets, artisan heritage, independent galleries, and lively café culture, the area offers an authentic window into Vienna’s contemporary creative scene.

Miiro Spittelberg features 132 guestrooms and suites, designed with a blend of warm neutrals, bold accents, natural textures, and soft lighting. Staying true to Miiro’s ‘Brilliantly Considered’ design philosophy, the rooms are crafted to provide a calming yet refined atmosphere, complete with plush beds, rainfall showers, cosy reading nooks, and premium toiletries.

The hotel’s design combines sleek modern lines with creative details, offering guests a space that feels both stylish and comfortable. Whether exploring Vienna’s iconic landmarks or unwinding within the property, the experience is designed to feel immersive and connected to its surroundings.

Dining at the hotel reflects a seamless all-day concept inspired by European café culture with an Italian twist. The experience is anchored by Poco, an Italian-inspired urban pizzeria and bar, adding a vibrant social element to the property.

Art plays a central role in the hotel’s identity, highlighted by an immersive ceiling mural that encourages personal reflection. This is complemented by a curated collection of works by Austrian and international artists displayed throughout the space. Additional amenities include a library, a 24-hour gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room.

Commenting on the opening, Neena Gupta said, “The opening of Miiro Spittelberg marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow Miiro in culturally rich European cities. Vienna’s artistic spirit and deep-rooted heritage make it a natural home for not just one but two of our properties, and the neighbourhood of Spittelberg reflects the lively, local energy we seek to celebrate.”

With this launch, Miiro continues to expand its footprint across Europe, with a growing portfolio spanning cities such as Paris, Barcelona, London, Gstaad, and Vienna, while InterGlobe’s broader international presence extends to destinations including Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne.

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