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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on July 8, 2024
Spanish hotel chain Meliá Hotels International is expanding its footprint in Greece with the introduction of INNSiDE Crete Elounda. This new addition marks the company's fifth property in Greece and the first under the INNSiDE by Meliá brand in the country.
The agreement to launch INNSiDE Crete Elounda was signed on May 24, 2024, and represents a significant step in lifestyle travel for Greece. This move strengthens Meliá’s partnership with Zeus Hotels, bringing their combined offering to over 1,050 rooms.
Located in the picturesque town of Elounda on Crete's northeastern coast, the hotel will occupy the site of the current Elounda Ilion. The property, perched atop a hill with panoramic sea views, will undergo a complete renovation and rebranding to meet INNSiDE’s high standards. Set to open in May 2025, the 5-star INNSiDE Crete Elounda will blend traditional Greek charm with luxurious modern amenities, offering guests an unparalleled holiday experience.
INNSiDE Crete Elounda: More Than a Hotel
INNSiDE by Meliá is designed for modern, adventurous travelers. Each property reflects the essence of its location, fostering a sense of community among guests. INNSiDE Crete Elounda will feature:
Luxurious Accommodations: 85 rooms that combine contemporary luxury with comfort.
Integrated Common Area: A seamless space that includes the lobby, reception, and bar, ideal for both work and relaxation.
Top-Notch Amenities: From in-room facilities to the innovative Big Idea Space, Open Living Lounges, and fitness centers.
Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing eco-friendly initiatives with minimal paper and plastic use, organic toiletries, and events featuring local culture and artists.
This holistic approach ensures guests enjoy a sense of freedom and creativity, designed for independent travelers with a spirit of adventure. Sustainability is a core focus, ensuring minimal environmental impact while providing a luxurious experience.
Lefteris Papakaliatis, CEO of Zeus Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Meliá Hotels International. The new hotel in Elounda reinforces our commitment to raising Greek hospitality standards and offering exceptional experiences to our guests.”
Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman & CEO of Meliá Hotels International, added, “We are excited to introduce INNSiDE by Meliá to Greece. This partnership allows us to combine Meliá Hotels International’s industry expertise with Greece’s unrivaled hospitality, strengthening our presence in both the Greek market and the wider Mediterranean region.”
INNSiDE Crete Elounda joins Meliá’s expanding portfolio in Greece, which includes Sol Marina Beach, Sol Cosmopolitan, and Blue Sea Beach, all in partnership with Zeus Hotels, as well as the Meliá Athens hotel in the capital.
About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca, Spain, Meliá Hotels International operates more than 400 hotels in over 40 countries under nine brands. Known for its commitment to responsible tourism, Meliá has been recognized as Europe’s most sustainable hotel company. The group's Mediterranean roots and extensive experience in leisure-inspired urban hotels make it a leader in the global hospitality industry.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 22, 2026
Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, India's largest specialty coffee company, has officially entered the GCC market through a strategic partnership with Ambrosia Foods. Marking its regional debut, the brand has opened its first café at BurJuman Mall in Dubai, bringing its farm-to-cup coffee philosophy and craft-led coffee experience to one of the world's leading café destinations.
The expansion is being led by Ambrosia Foods, a GCC-focused food and beverage platform that partners with innovative consumer brands to help them grow across the region. By combining Blue Tokai's expertise in sourcing, roasting, and serving premium Indian coffee with Ambrosia Foods' regional market knowledge and operational capabilities, the partnership aims to build a strong long-term presence across the GCC.
With this addition, Blue Tokai becomes the fourth brand in Ambrosia Foods' growing portfolio, joining Biryani By Kilo, Furn Beaino, and Mr. Brown. The company continues to strengthen its presence in the region by bringing premium and scalable food and beverage concepts to GCC consumers.
Speaking on the launch, Vishwaroop Narain, Executive Chairman, Ambrosia Foods, said, “Blue Tokai is a landmark addition to our growing GCC portfolio and a brand that perfectly reflects Ambrosia Foods vision of bring proven, category-defining concepts to the region and building them for long-term success. Indian brands are increasingly finding strong resonance across the GCC, and Blue Tokai is exceptionally well positioned to introduce more consumers to the quality, craftsmanship and diversity of India's specialty coffee."
Following the opening of its first café in Dubai, Ambrosia Foods plans to expand Blue Tokai's presence across the GCC, with more than 10 locations planned over the next few years.
Founded in 2013, Blue Tokai has been at the forefront of India's specialty coffee movement, making freshly roasted Indian coffee more accessible while promoting quality, transparency, and traceability. Today, the company operates more than 250 cafés, three roasteries across India, partners directly with over 80 coffee farms, and also has an international presence in Tokyo, Japan.
The new Dubai café offers guests a selection of Blue Tokai's single-estate coffees, signature blends, and seasonal offerings. Visitors can also explore different brewing methods that highlight the unique flavour profiles and origins of Indian coffee, all within a modern café setting.
Speaking about the expansion, Shivam Shahi, Co-Founder and COO, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, said, “India has an extraordinary coffee heritage, yet its potential as a world-class specialty coffee origin is only beginning to gain global recognition. For more than a decade, Blue Tokai has focused on strengthening the connection between coffee producers and consumers while creating spaces where people can discover the craft and stories behind every cup. Expanding into the GCC marks an important milestone in our journey as we introduce Indian specialty coffee to new audiences. The region's vibrant café culture and appreciation for thoughtfully crafted experiences make it a natural next step in our growth.”
Published on July 20, 2026
Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in an intense final that was decided in extra time.
The match remained goalless through regulation time before Ferran Torres, who came on as a second-half substitute, scored the winner in the 106th minute. Latching onto a loose ball inside the penalty area, Torres fired a left-footed strike under the crossbar to hand Spain its second FIFA World Cup title, the first since its triumph in 2010.
"It was a goal scored by 47 million people," Torres said, referring to Spain's population.
Spain's breakthrough came after Argentina were reduced to 10 men late in regulation when Enzo Fernández was shown a red card following a reckless challenge. The dismissal shifted momentum in Spain's favour before Torres delivered the decisive moment in extra time.
Spain's defence once again proved its strength, successfully protecting the narrow lead until the final whistle. The newly crowned champions conceded just one goal in eight matches throughout the tournament, setting a new record for the fewest goals conceded by a FIFA World Cup-winning team.
The victory also denied Lionel Messi a second consecutive World Cup title in what the Argentine captain had indicated would be his final appearance at the tournament.
The trophy presentation brought together several dignitaries, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, King Felipe VI of Spain, and US President Donald Trump, who presented the FIFA World Cup trophy to the Spanish team.
Before the trophy lift, Trump briefly greeted Spain captain Rodri, describing him as his favourite player before congratulating the team on its historic achievement.
As Spain celebrated lifting football's most prestigious prize, an emotional scene unfolded for Argentina. Led by Lionel Messi, the players collected their silver medals to a standing ovation from supporters inside the stadium. Fans applauded the team as the anthem "Muchachos" echoed around the venue, acknowledging Argentina's remarkable journey despite falling short in the final.
For Spain, the victory marks a return to the top of world football after 16 years, while Argentina's campaign ended with disappointment but earned admiration for reaching another FIFA World Cup final.
Published on July 18, 2026
The countdown has begun for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with Spain set to face Argentina in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. While football fans from around the world are preparing for the title clash, concerns over deteriorating air quality have emerged across New York and New Jersey, where the final will be played.
Ahead of Sunday's final, France and England will compete in the third-place playoff at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, before attention shifts to the championship match.
However, just days before the final, authorities issued an air quality alert for parts of New York and New Jersey after smoke from massive Canadian wildfires spread across the northeastern United States.
Smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada has covered large parts of the country, stretching from the Midwest to the Northeast. Officials have advised residents and visitors to limit outdoor activities, remain indoors where possible and avoid prolonged exposure to the polluted air.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 19 (12:30 a.m. IST on July 20) at SoFi Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The air quality concerns intensified as Spain's squad arrived in New Jersey on Wednesday night, following its semi-final victory over France in Texas.
Despite the environmental challenges, preparations for the World Cup final continue, with thousands of supporters expected to travel to New Jersey to witness the clash between the European champions and the defending world champions.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring air quality levels closely in the lead-up to the final while advising residents, visitors and fans to follow public health guidelines if conditions worsen.
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