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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on February 11, 2025
The 14th edition of the Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC) is set to take place in Ras Al Khaimah from February 26-28, 2025, bringing together the most influential names in the global luxury wedding industry. The highly anticipated three-day event will feature over 400 industry leaders, 100+ elite exhibitors, and attendees from 80+ countries, making it one of the largest gatherings of wedding professionals worldwide.
This year, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is hosting the event, reinforcing the emirate’s growing prominence as a luxury wedding destination. The conference will feature B2B meetings, immersive workshops, expert panels, and keynote speeches from some of the most renowned wedding planners and experiential designers in the world.
A rising star in luxury tourism, Ras Al Khaimah offers a unique blend of ancient heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-class hospitality. With destination weddings gaining popularity, especially in India, the emirate has positioned itself as a premier location with easy accessibility and seamless visa processes.
"Hosting a second edition of EWPC in Ras Al Khaimah is a proud testament to our growing prominence as a weddings destination," said Iyad Rasbey, Vice President – Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA. "With our diverse landscapes, versatile venues, and unparalleled hospitality, Ras Al Khaimah provides the perfect canvas for unforgettable celebrations."
Rishikesh Shetty, CEO of Exito Media Concepts, added, "EWPC isn’t just a conference — it’s a catalyst for industry-defining conversations and game-changing collaborations. Ras Al Khaimah embodies everything the modern luxury wedding industry represents — opulence, exclusivity, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences."
EWPC 2025 will feature some of the biggest names in the wedding and event planning industry, including:
Colin Cowie – Chairman & CEO, Colin Cowie Lifestyle
Sarah Haywood – CEO, Sarah Haywood Weddings & Celebrations
Johnny Roxburgh – Founder, Johnny Roxburgh Designs Limited
Devika Narain – Founder, Devika Narain and Company
Zainab Alsalih – Founder & Creative Director, Carousel Events
Tara Fay – Director, Tara Fay Events
Andrea Naar Alba – CEO & Founder, Italian Wedding & Events Ltd
Raj Somaiya – CEO, Silverfox Events
Christina Holt – Founder & Director, Wedding Concepts
These visionaries will lead expert panels, masterclasses, and interactive workshops, sharing insights into the future of luxury weddings and destination events.
A major highlight of EWPC 2025 is the spectacular gala dinner and the prestigious APEX Awards, hosted in partnership with Wynn Al Marjan Island. While the ultra-luxury resort is set to open in 2027, it is already making waves in the industry with its visionary approach to hospitality and entertainment. This exclusive evening will celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and excellence in the luxury wedding space.
EWPC 2025 is more than an event — it’s the epicenter of the future of luxury weddings.
For registration and event details, visit weddingplanningconference.com/rak.
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By Hariharan U
Published on October 22, 2025
Hilton has reached a major milestone in its luxury and lifestyle segment, now operating over 160 hotels across Asia Pacific. This growth reflects rising demand for unique, experience-driven stays, and the company plans to expand its portfolio by at least 50% in the coming years.
The expansion follows the recent launch of Motto by Hilton Hong Kong Soho, Hilton’s first lifestyle brand in the region. The hotel offers a connected experience with thoughtfully designed guest rooms, dynamic public areas, and locally inspired food and beverage offerings. Recent openings of Waldorf Astoria Osaka and Secan Hotel Qingdao, Curio Collection by Hilton, also highlight Hilton’s growing presence in the luxury and lifestyle segment.
“Asia Pacific continues to be an engine of growth for Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle brands. The appetite for distinctive, experience-led stays is stronger than ever, and Hilton is proud to lead the way in shaping the future of hospitality in this vibrant region,” said Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
Hilton’s upcoming openings over the next 12 months include Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, Canopy by Hilton Shanghai Belfry Plaza, KROMO Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton, Kahavadi Chiang Rai, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Nivata Koh Samui, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The first Waldorf Astoria in Indonesia will debut in Bali in 2027, while NoMad Singapore and Canopy by Hilton Makati in the Philippines are set for 2026.
“Hilton brands lead the industry in terms of rooms under construction in this region. In Asia Pacific, we are on track to double our presence of Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, and LXR Hotels & Resorts, debut NoMad and Signia by Hilton, and expand our lifestyle brands which are seeing surging interest from owners across the region,” said Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President, Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
Long-term plans include seven new Waldorf Astoria properties in Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Sydney, Xi’an, Tokyo, Delhi, and Bali. Conrad Hotels & Resorts will grow in Jaipur, Kuala Lumpur, Nagoya, Bangkok, and several Chinese cities. LXR Hotels & Resorts will debut in Bengaluru, Hiroshima, and Xi’an, while Signia by Hilton is set to launch in India. Curio Collection by Hilton will arrive in Bengaluru, Wuxi, and Langkawi, and Canopy by Hilton will open in Bangkok and Okinawa.
Hilton’s growth has been accelerated by acquiring a majority stake in Sydell Group to expand the NoMad brand and an exclusive partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, giving Hilton guests access to independent luxury properties globally.
With this momentum, Hilton has added over 100 future luxury and lifestyle hotels to its global development pipeline in 2025 and expects to launch three new luxury and lifestyle hotels per week, adding approximately 150 hotels to its global portfolio.
London-based design studio Shed has revealed an all-new design concept for Jollibee, one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands from the Philippines. Tasked with redefining the brand’s global restaurant experience, Shed’s approach brings together interior design, graphics, and signage to tell Jollibee’s story in a contemporary and engaging way.
As Jollibee continues its ambitious expansion across Asia, Europe, the US, and the UK, the brand sought a modern design language to elevate its iconic identity. The refreshed concept debuted in five new Hong Kong restaurants, marking the beginning of Jollibee’s next chapter in international dining.
At the core of Shed’s creative direction is a simple but powerful idea, “Put a smile at the heart of everything.” This philosophy guided every element of the new design, combining joy and sophistication in a way that appeals to all generations while staying true to Jollibee’s Filipino roots.
The design draws from Jollibee’s cheerful personality while adding a refined visual edge. By balancing fun with modernity, Shed created a distinctive global identity that feels fresh yet familiar. The interiors showcase layered materials, bespoke furniture, and bold graphic motifs, while the brand’s beloved Bee and Chickenjoy mascots appear as reimagined design features that add charm and recognition.
“Our goal wasn't just about creating an instantly ownable piece of design, it was to craft a distinctly new Jollibee experience that encapsulated the joy and warmth the brand represents,” said Matt Smith, co-founder of Shed. “The challenge was to ensure this joy resonated universally, expressed consistently across all design and brand touchpoints.”
He added, “In competitive global markets, the detail matters. It was important to bring together subtle iconic elements with bold playful touches. The aim was balance, making each space distinctive yet quirky and sophisticated.”
Carl Tan, Chairman of Jollibee Foods China, shared, “Every detail was thoughtfully aligned with the original strategy, culminating in a true celebration of the Jollibee spirit. The result is an environment we are deeply proud of, one that radiates warmth, vibrancy, and a sense of joy.”
With its thoughtful blend of heritage and innovation, Shed’s new design sets the tone for Jollibee’s global future, a brand that continues to spread joy, one restaurant at a time.
Published on October 21, 2025
Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach, the Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond luxury resort in Sunny Isles Beach, has unveiled its newest accommodation: the One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite with Convertible Den. Designed by Isabel Tragash of STA Architectural Group, the suite offers a unique blend of residential comfort and Acqualina’s renowned service and amenities.
Located on the fifth floor of the resort, the 2,767-square-foot Villa Suite redefines the luxury hotel experience with its contemporary interiors, flexible layout, and expansive outdoor living spaces. The design embraces modern Mediterranean aesthetics, featuring curving silhouettes, muted color palettes, and dramatic uplighting, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication.
“The One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite represents a new chapter of luxury at Acqualina,” said Deborah Yager Fleming, CEO and Partner of Acqualina Resort & Residences. “Designed for both extended stays and intimate escapes, the Villa provides our guests with the feeling of a private residence while enjoying the impeccable service and amenities that have made Acqualina the most awarded beachfront resort in the United States.”
The suite features an open-concept layout with a gourmet kitchen equipped with Calacatta Oro marble countertops, Miele appliances, and a full backsplash. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the living and breakfast areas, adorned with custom-made furnishings, Italian-sourced pieces, and curated décor accents. Artistic touches include abstract artwork by Domenica Brockman, Innovations Pintuck wallpaper, and a Philip Jeffries Terra Tones accent wall, enhancing the suite’s elegant ambiance.
The primary bedroom is designed as a serene sanctuary, featuring a Pianca bed, Cattelan Italia nightstands, a curved upholstered sofa, and a dramatic crystal pendant light. The bathroom showcases Cosmos stone floors, onyx walls, expansive vanities, and premium fixtures by Dornbracht and Kohler.
A convertible den adds flexibility, transforming into a guest bedroom or private office with Italian-built millwork, a concealed queen-sized bed, and a dedicated bathroom.
One of the suite’s highlights is its two terraces, totaling nearly 900 square feet. The ocean-facing terrace, furnished with Harbour’s Victoria Collection, lush trees, and topiaries, offers an alfresco living experience, perfect for morning coffee, sunset cocktails, or sophisticated entertaining.
With its meticulous design, high-end international brands, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the One-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa Suite sets a new benchmark for luxury accommodations in South Florida, promising an unmatched residential-style retreat for guests seeking both elegance and comfort.
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