IHG Expands Garner Brand Across Europe with New Hotel Signings

IHG Expands Garner Brand Across Europe with New Hotel Signings

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 21, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts is accelerating the expansion of its midscale brand, Garner, with four new signings across Europe. Launched in August 2023, Garner offers guests a straightforward experience at competitive prices while giving hotel owners flexibility and faster returns. The new properties will open in the UK, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Türkiye, strengthening the brand’s presence across key European markets.

In the UK, two Garner hotels are scheduled to open in late 2024. Garner Hotel Reading Centre will feature 53 rooms and is located near the city’s commercial and shopping hubs. The second property, Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury, will have 80 guest rooms and easy access to the M6 motorway, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Garner’s Northern Europe expansion includes more than 50 new hotels in Germany, developed through a long-term partnership with NOVUM Hospitality. These properties are being converted from NOVUM's Yggotel, Select, and Novum brands. Key locations set to open later this year include Garner Hotel Hamburg Nord, Garner Hotel Mannheim City, and Garner Hotel Berlin – Mitte. Additional properties are planned for Vienna, Austria, and Maastricht, Netherlands, further extending the brand's footprint in Europe.

The brand will also enter Türkiye in 2025 with a 126-room hotel near Istanbul Airport. Developed in collaboration with FRT Turizm and supported by AB Consulting, the property will cater to travelers passing through one of the busiest airports in the world.

Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development for Europe at IHG, expressed excitement about Garner’s rapid growth: “Our newest brand offers owners quicker returns by minimizing pre-opening costs and accelerating time to operation. We are pleased to see such strong interest from partners across Europe and look forward to welcoming guests to these new properties soon.”

The Garner brand has signed 79 properties worldwide since its launch, including locations in the US, Japan, and Germany, with four hotels already open and operating. With its focus on simplicity, accessible locations, and 24/7 refreshment options, Garner aims to meet the needs of today’s travelers looking for no-fuss stays.


OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI Shines at World’s Best Wine Lists Awards 2025

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI Shines at World’s Best Wine Lists Awards 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2025

A Maldivian paradise has once again conquered the global stage. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, the luxury island retreat, has been recognised among the world’s finest dining destinations at the prestigious World’s Best Wine Lists Awards 2025. The resort achieved a stunning double win at London’s legendary Savoy Hotel, taking home the titles of ‘Best All-Inclusive Wine List in Asia’ and the coveted ‘Jury Award’ for its outstanding wine programme.

The awards, hosted by The World of Fine Wine, a leading British publication for global wine enthusiasts, celebrate excellence across 21 categories, with winners chosen by an independent panel of Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and leading experts. Judging criteria include breadth, depth, balance, and originality, positioning OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI among the most elite restaurants and hotels worldwide.

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“Being honoured with this global recognition for a second consecutive year is both thrilling and deeply humbling,” said Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines for Atmosphere Core. “We believe a perfect holiday should be paired with a perfect glass of wine, it must not feel like an extra, but a natural part of the journey and always available to guests throughout the resort. Seeing our team’s dedication, from curating over 100 labels to integrating them into the RESERVE Plan, celebrated like this is incredibly rewarding.”

At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, wine is more than a beverage, it’s an experience. From the moment guests arrive, their villa’s personal maxi bar, replenished daily, offers an introduction to the resort’s acclaimed collection. The RESERVE Plan ensures that over 100 premium wines, champagnes, and spirits are seamlessly woven into every aspect of the stay, from breakfast to the final sunset toast.

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The resort’s CUVEÉ wine library serves as the heart of its vinous offerings, where expert sommeliers host intimate tasting dinners, pairing fine wines with gourmet cuisine for a truly immersive journey.

This passion extends across THE OZEN COLLECTION, with OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO hosting exclusive wine events and masterclasses with renowned vintners, including Champagne Guy Charbaut from France and Bodegas Viñátigo from Spain’s Canary Islands.

This international recognition reaffirms what guests have long known that OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI offers more than breathtaking views and opulent stays. It delivers a complete sensory experience where each glass poured mirrors the resort’s dedication to excellence, proving that true luxury is found in perfectly curated moments.


Rosewood Hong Kong Named No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025

Rosewood Hong Kong Named No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 3, 2025

Rosewood Hong Kong has been named The World’s Best Hotel 2025, securing the No.1 position on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 list, announced at a live awards ceremony in London. The global ranking celebrates exceptional hospitality across 22 destinations and six continents, along with several special award recognitions.

Opened in 2019, the 65-storey Rosewood Hong Kong towers over Victoria Harbour on the Kowloon waterfront, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. Designed by acclaimed Taiwanese designer Tony Chi, the 413-room luxury property features eleven restaurants and bars, a stunning harbour-view infinity pool, and the renowned multi-level Asaya wellness facility.

The hotel climbed two spots from its previous No.3 position in 2024, also earning the title of The Best Hotel in Asia.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said, “We are delighted to celebrate Rosewood Hong Kong’s No.1 spot – a property that has consistently featured in the top three since the inception of the awards in 2023. This exceptional hotel offers world-class service and experiences in one of the world’s most vibrant destinations.”

The second and third positions were claimed by Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River and Capella Bangkok, respectively, reaffirming Asia’s dominance in the luxury hospitality segment. In total, 20 hotels from Asia featured on the list, followed by Europe with 17, North America with 6, Africa with 3, Oceania with 2, and South America with 2.

Among the special awards announced were:

  • Best Boutique Hotel Award: Passalacqua, Lake Como (No.4)

  • Eco Hotel Award: Desa Potato Head, Bali (No.18)

  • Best New Hotel Award: Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing (No.14)

  • Icon Award: Ian Schrager

  • Art of Design Award: Singita – Kruger National Park (No.40)

  • Most Admired Hotel Group: Four Seasons

  • Highest Climber Award: Royal Mansour, Marrakech (No.13)

  • Highest New Entry Award: Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro (No.11)

  • Best Beach Hotel Award: Atlantis The Royal, Dubai (No.6)

This year’s ranking highlights Asia’s continued leadership in the global hospitality landscape, with standout performances from India, Japan, Thailand, and Hong Kong. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (No.38) marked India’s presence on the global list, while properties from Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas showcased diverse excellence in design, innovation, and service.

Now in its third year, The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards have become a defining benchmark for global hospitality excellence, recognising hotels that set new standards in guest experience, sustainability, and creativity.


Ensana Expands into Germany with Fürstenhof Takeover in Bad Griesbach

Ensana Expands into Germany with Fürstenhof Takeover in Bad Griesbach

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 3, 2025

Ensana Hotels, Europe’s largest provider of health and wellness spas, has announced its entry into Germany with the takeover of the renowned Fürstenhof hotel in Bad Griesbach, Bavaria. Known for its rich thermal springs and tranquil natural beauty, Bad Griesbach is part of the famous Lower Bavarian Spa Triangle, alongside Bad Füssingen and Bad Birnbach.

The Fürstenhof, a property steeped in tradition, will undergo extensive renovations, including modernization of guest rooms, wellness spaces, and treatment areas. Its grand reopening is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. Once complete, the hotel will seamlessly blend classic Bavarian elegance with Ensana’s signature health-focused offerings, creating a serene retreat for rejuvenation and recreation.

Guests will be able to enjoy tailored health programmes that combine natural healing methods with modern medical expertise, an approach Ensana has perfected over decades. The property will offer treatments designed for musculoskeletal health, stress reduction, and holistic well-being. Surrounded by lush forests and Europe’s largest golf resort, Fürstenhof also offers unique wellness-golf combinations, including exclusive packages with reduced fees and reserved tee times for guests.

Frank Halmos, CEO of Ensana, expressed the significance of this milestone:

“The step to come to Germany marks an important milestone within our growth strategy and will strengthen Ensana’s leading role in European spa hospitality. With our expertise, we aim to enrich and extend the offerings in Bad Griesbach, appealing to a new generation of health-conscious guests.”

He further added that Ensana’s focus on personalized care, innovative natural remedies, and holistic wellness would redefine the spa experience in Lower Bavaria.

As part of its ambitious expansion strategy, Ensana plans to double its international portfolio by 2030, reinforcing its position as a leader in European health and wellness hospitality.

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