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By Nishang Narayan
Published on December 8, 2024
Jumeirah, a renowned leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, has expanded its portfolio into Africa with two groundbreaking additions: Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa. In collaboration with the Thanda Group, this move aligns with Jumeirah’s strategy to diversify its offerings while preserving local culture and ecosystems.
Situated within Tanzania’s protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, Jumeirah Thanda Island is a pristine, five-hectare retreat that redefines exclusivity. Accessible via a short helicopter ride or speedboat, this uninhabited island offers an extraordinary villa with five luxurious suites and two Swahili Bandas, blending comfort with local charm.
A private chef and a dedicated culinary team curate dining experiences that feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients, allowing guests to savor meals in intimate beachside settings. For adventure seekers, the island offers activities such as swimming with whale sharks, diving with turtles, sailing on traditional Arab Dhows, and exploring nearby Chole Island.
In addition to luxury, the island emphasizes conservation. Guests can witness coral reef restoration projects, participate in efforts to protect endangered sea turtles, and engage with Star for Life, an initiative empowering local youth through education and skill development.
Located in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, Jumeirah Thanda Safari spans a vast 16,500-hectare private game reserve, home to the Big Five and rich Zulu cultural heritage. The property includes the Royal Thanda Club, a private lifestyle club offering exclusive access to secure wilderness areas, as well as the opulent Jumeirah Residences, which combine adventure with unmatched luxury.
Guests can immerse themselves in curated safari experiences like guided bush walks, game drives, and cultural programs that celebrate Zulu traditions. Activities for younger guests, such as a junior ranger course, ensure that families enjoy an enriching experience. Future plans include a new lodge and an ultra-luxury tented camp by 2027.
Aligned with Jumeirah’s values, the property supports critical conservation efforts, such as Project Rhino KZN and the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. These initiatives, combined with Thanda Group’s Star for Life program, highlight a commitment to preserving natural heritage and uplifting local communities.
Thomas Meier, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO at Jumeirah, described the move as a significant step in the brand's mission to create culturally connected, sustainable guest experiences. “Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari epitomize our commitment to crafting meaningful moments rooted in culture, conservation, and luxury,” he said.
Pierre Delvaux, CEO of Thanda Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the partnership's shared ethos of philanthropy and environmental stewardship. “This collaboration represents a perfect alignment of values, combining luxury with impactful conservation and community support.”
Both Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari will open for bookings in December 2024. These destinations offer an unparalleled blend of exclusivity, cultural immersion, and sustainability, making them a remarkable addition to Jumeirah's global portfolio.
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By Hariharan U
Published on July 8, 2026
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is inviting families to experience an island getaway designed around togetherness, offering a blend of luxury accommodation, immersive experiences, award-winning dining and wellness in one of the Maldives' most picturesque settings.
Located just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, the resort provides easy access for travellers while offering an idyllic escape where guests of all generations can reconnect through shared experiences.
At the heart of the family offering is the Three-Bedroom Kuda Estate, a private beachfront retreat featuring expansive living spaces, a private infinity pool, dedicated butler service and direct beach access. Designed for multi-generational stays, the estate provides families with the comfort and privacy of a home while enjoying the services of a luxury resort.
Dining forms an integral part of the guest experience at Baraabaru, the resort's signature Indian restaurant inspired by the architecture of traditional Kerala theatres. Recognised among the Maldives' leading dining destinations, the restaurant showcases the creations of acclaimed Chef Hari Nayak, featuring regional Indian dishes including Malvani Fish Curry, Mangalorean-style Prawn Sukka, Chicken Malai Kofta, Bharwan Mirchi, and desserts such as Mango Kulfi and Ghewar.
Beyond its culinary experiences, the resort offers families opportunities to engage with the natural environment through its Coral Reef Plantation programme, where guests work alongside marine experts to help restore coral reefs by building and planting coral frames.
Families can also explore the island's vibrant marine life through snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing, while younger guests can participate in the Junior Marine Savers Programme, which introduces children to marine conservation through interactive learning experiences focused on coral reefs, sea turtles and ocean ecosystems.
Adding to the seasonal experiences is the Learn With Legends Summer Camp, taking place from 20 July to 31 August, where internationally recognised surfers, marine conservationists and martial arts experts conduct interactive sessions for guests of all ages. Families can also extend their holiday to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where football clinics and conservation programmes within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve complement the experience.
While younger guests enjoy outdoor adventures, adults can retreat to ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, the resort's dedicated wellness sanctuary located across the lagoon. Accessible by a traditional Maldivian dhoni, the wellness centre offers yoga, hydrotherapy, breathwork, nutrition consultations and therapeutic treatments rooted in naturopathy.
Among its signature therapies is the Maldivian Coconut Ritual, which combines locally sourced botanicals and warm coconut oil to deliver a restorative wellness experience inspired by the islands.
By combining spacious accommodation, family-friendly adventures, wellness experiences and exceptional dining, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa continues to position itself as a preferred destination for families seeking meaningful luxury holidays in the Maldives.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Spain ended Portugal's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory in the Round of 16 at Dallas, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup journey to a close. The defeat means the Portuguese superstar retires from the tournament without lifting football's most coveted trophy, joining several legendary players who finished their international careers without a FIFA World Cup title.
In another Round of 16 fixture, Belgium delivered an impressive performance to defeat the United States 4-1, securing its place in the quarter-finals.
Beyond the action on the pitch, the FIFA World Cup continues to deliver strong results for the hospitality industry across host cities in the United States.
According to CoStar, hotels recorded robust performance for the week ending June 27, with Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) increasing 9.6% year-on-year, while the Average Daily Rate (ADR) rose 9.2%. Occupancy remained largely stable, recording a marginal increase of 0.4%.
Among all host cities, Miami posted the strongest performance, with ADR rising 51.1% and RevPAR increasing 51.6% compared to the same period last year. San Francisco, which hosted two World Cup matches, reported the second-highest gains, with occupancy up 10.9% and RevPAR climbing 40.7% year-on-year.
CoStar had initially projected a 13% increase in RevPAR across World Cup host cities during the tournament. However, performance between June 11 and June 27 has already surpassed expectations, with host cities recording average RevPAR growth of more than 20%.
The strongest RevPAR growth during the period was recorded in San Francisco (54.5%), followed by Dallas (27.2%) and Kansas City (25%). According to Didio Pequeno, Director of Hospitality Market Analytics at CoStar, San Francisco's stronger performance was also supported by a relatively weaker comparison base from the previous year.
Pequeno noted that the tournament has primarily become a rate-driven event rather than an occupancy-driven one. While occupancy remained relatively flat in most host cities, significant room rate increases helped hotels achieve stronger overall revenue performance.
Through the end of June, San Francisco and Dallas were the only U.S. host cities to register occupancy gains, while other destinations experienced slight declines that were offset by higher room rates. Pequeno attributed this trend to international football fans, who have demonstrated a greater willingness to pay premium accommodation prices, effectively replacing domestic leisure travellers who would typically spend less.
Among the leading markets, Dallas' performance was widely anticipated, as AT&T Stadium is hosting the highest number of matches during the tournament. Meanwhile, Kansas City, the smallest U.S. host city, recorded a 34% increase in ADR during the June 11-27 period.
Looking ahead, hotel performance is expected to remain closely tied to tournament results, with fan travel patterns likely to influence demand across host cities. The FIFA World Cup Final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is expected to generate a significant surge in hotel demand across the New York metropolitan area, with industry experts predicting an impact comparable to that of the Super Bowl.
ZAYA Indian & Persian Kitchen in McAllen is celebrating World Kebab Day with the launch of an exclusive Royal Kebab Platter, available only on July 10 for dine-in guests. Curated by Executive Chef Mahesh Dhami, the limited-time offering showcases the rich culinary traditions of India and Persia through an indulgent selection of flame-grilled specialties.
Created to serve two guests, the Royal Kebab Platter features a carefully crafted assortment of signature dishes, including Chicken Malai Tikka, Achari Lamb Chops, Tandoori Prawns, Beef Shami Kebab, Saffron Basmati Rice, Greek Salad, Charred Onions and Tomatoes, along with ZAYA's signature Mint & Cilantro Tzatziki. The platter celebrates authentic grilling techniques, premium ingredients and bold regional flavours.
Speaking about the special menu, Executive Chef Mahesh Dhami said, "Kebabs are more than just grilled dishes, they represent centuries of culinary tradition, culture, and craftsmanship. For World Kebab Day, we wanted to create a platter that allows our guests to experience the diversity of Indian and Persian barbecue traditions in one memorable meal. Every element has been carefully prepared to deliver authentic flavors while reflecting ZAYA's commitment to quality, hospitality, and culinary excellence."
Observed by food lovers around the world, World Kebab Day celebrates one of the world's most iconic grilled dishes. At ZAYA, the occasion pays tribute to this enduring culinary tradition by combining authentic Indian and Persian flavours with traditional cooking techniques and contemporary presentation.
The Royal Kebab Platter will be available exclusively for dine-in on July 10 and in limited quantities. Guests are encouraged to reserve their tables in advance to enjoy this special culinary experience with family and friends.
Led by Executive Chef Mahesh Dhami, ZAYA Indian & Persian Kitchen continues to elevate McAllen's dining scene by blending the authentic flavours of India and Persia with modern presentation and warm hospitality. The World Kebab Day celebration reflects the restaurant's commitment to honouring global culinary traditions through memorable, chef-driven dining experiences.
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