Hilton Expands in Portugal with Three New Hotels by 2026

Hilton Expands in Portugal with Three New Hotels by 2026

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 9, 2024

Hilton has announced plans to further expand its presence in Portugal with the opening of three new hotels by 2026. These properties will be introduced under the Canopy by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands, reinforcing Hilton's commitment to growing its portfolio in Southern Europe.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton's Senior Vice President for Development in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the attractiveness of Portugal's hotel investment market, noting the country's record-breaking tourist numbers. “We’re thrilled to have signed three new properties across three of our world-class brands, further expanding our Portuguese portfolio of more than 20 hotels trading and in our pipeline,” Fitzgibbon said.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Airport

The Canopy by Hilton Vilamoura Marina, set to open in 2026, will offer a boutique hotel experience in the heart of Marina Vilamoura, just 500 meters from Praia da Vilamoura. The 155-room property, developed through a franchise agreement with Arrow Global Group, will feature amenities including a restaurant, bar, spa, outdoor pool, and fitness center.

Francisco Moser, CEO of Hospitality at Details Hospitality, Sports & Leisure, part of Arrow Global, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’re thrilled to be announcing Canopy by Hilton Vilamoura Marina. The Algarve received more than five million visitors last year, and there continues to be significant demand for high quality accommodation in the region. Complimenting the nearby Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, the hotel will be an exciting new lifestyle option in this key tourist destination, providing a locally inspired and welcoming stay.”

Another addition to Hilton’s Portuguese portfolio is the Santo André Beach Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, slated to open in 2025. This hotel will be Hilton’s first property in the Santiago do Cacém area, known for its beautiful beaches and natural landscapes. Developed through a franchise agreement with Mercan Properties Group, the hotel will feature 44 guest rooms, a restaurant, bar, gym, and a rooftop pool with sea views. Its location, just 200 meters from the Santo Andre and Sancha Lagoons Natural Reserve and 500 meters from Santo André Beach, makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

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Santo André Beach Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Also scheduled for a 2025 opening is the DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon Airport, located just five minutes from Lisbon's bustling airport. This hotel will offer 199 guest rooms and 20 suites, providing convenience for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can expect amenities such as a restaurant, bar, fitness room, and extensive conference facilities. The hotel will also feature the signature warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie upon arrival, a hallmark of the brand’s hospitality.

Jordi Vilanova, President of Mercan Properties Portugal, highlighted the positive impact these projects will have on the local community, stating, “Having also recently announced the stunning Hilton Alvor, these signings mark the continued expansion of our portfolio with Hilton across Portugal, under multiple brands. Importantly, these projects will benefit the travellers visiting them and the communities in which they operate within. Indeed, we expect that these three properties will create approximately 325 jobs, providing a meaningful contribution to local employment and investment in Portugal.”

These new Hilton properties will also offer benefits through the Hilton Honors loyalty program, allowing members to earn points and access exclusive rewards during their stays.


Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on April 2, 2026

In a significant recognition for luxury wellness hospitality, Banyan Tree Samui has been named the “Best Spa Resort – Thailand” at the Global Spa Awards 2026, presented by The Luxury Spa Edit.

The award reflects a combination of expert panel evaluations, insights from global travel journalists and sustainability specialists, and over 85,000 public votes, reinforcing the resort’s strong positioning in the global wellness space.

At the heart of this recognition is the resort’s integrated approach to holistic wellbeing. The spa experience at Banyan Tree Samui goes beyond traditional treatments, offering a thoughtfully curated journey rooted in its “8 Pillars of Wellbeing” philosophy, focusing on rest, nourishment, mindfulness, movement, and personal growth.

A standout feature is its signature hydrotherapy facility, The Rainforest, which takes guests through a multi-sensory circuit of water jets, saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and vitality pools. This immersive experience has become a defining element of the resort’s wellness offering.

Speaking on the achievement, Naphasawan Badklang, Spa & Gallery Manager, credited the team’s rigorous training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy and their commitment to delivering personalised guest experiences. Each treatment begins with a detailed consultation, followed by customised herbal oils and signature rituals that include sound healing, breathwork, and traditional techniques.

The award also coincides with the rollout of Banyan Tree Spa 2.0, an evolved concept that blends ancient Asian healing practices with modern wellness techniques. From personalised therapies to curated closing rituals featuring herbal foot cleansing and tea ceremonies, the experience is designed to create a deeper sense of relaxation and renewal.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Koh Samui’s Lamai Bay, the resort’s 88 private pool villas further enhance the sense of seclusion and calm. Complemented by curated dining experiences, wellness programmes, and nature-integrated design, the property continues to offer a sanctuary for travellers seeking both luxury and restoration.

With this recognition, Banyan Tree Samui strengthens its reputation as one of Asia’s leading wellness destinations, setting new benchmarks for immersive and experience-driven hospitality.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar marked Earth Hour 2026 with a focused set of sustainability-driven initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.

As part of the global movement, the hotel switched off non-essential lighting and reduced power consumption across key areas for 60 minutes, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The symbolic gesture reflected a collective effort towards climate awareness while maintaining the refined standards associated with luxury hospitality.

Beyond the hour, the initiative underscored the hotel’s broader sustainability philosophy. From energy-efficient systems to responsible resource management, environmentally conscious practices are integrated into its day-to-day operations, aligning with the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Sood said, “Earth Hour reminds us that meaningful change begins with small yet consistent actions. At The Leela Gandhinagar, sustainability remains integral to how we operate and deliver thoughtful luxury experiences.”

Through its participation, the hotel continues to build on its commitment to sustainable hospitality, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally aware future.


Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle Marks Three Years of Hospitality and Guest Experiences

Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle Marks Three Years of Hospitality and Guest Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 31, 2026

Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle marked its third anniversary on 28th March, celebrating three years of hospitality, memorable guest experiences, and a growing presence in the city. Over this period, the hotel has welcomed guests from across India and abroad, hosted over 30 distinguished celebrities, and maintained a strong position among top properties on TripAdvisor since its opening.

While these milestones highlight its journey, the hotel places equal importance on the moments it has shared with its guests. Over the years, it has grown into more than just a place to stay, becoming a space where people come together for celebrations, conversations, and memorable experiences. The return of familiar faces and continued guest trust have played a key role in shaping its journey.

A key part of the hotel’s identity is its dining approach. Known for its 100% vegetarian, sattvic cuisine, the hotel focuses on meals that are prepared with care and authenticity, while also keeping well-being in mind. This thoughtful approach has helped create a strong connection with guests who value both taste and mindful dining.

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Speaking on the occasion, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, said:

"These three years have been incredibly special for us. Beyond numbers and milestones, it’s the relationships we’ve built and the memories we’ve been part of that truly define our journey. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and support."

Looking ahead, Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle remains focused on growing further while continuing to offer experiences that reflect warmth, comfort, and flavour.

Three years. Countless memories. Infinite flavours.

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