Meliá Hotels International Expands in Greece with INNSiDE Crete Elounda

Meliá Hotels International Expands in Greece with INNSiDE Crete Elounda

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.


Ludlow Coffee Supply Expands in Miami with New All-Day Café Concept

Ludlow Coffee Supply Expands in Miami with New All-Day Café Concept

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2026

Ludlow Coffee Supply, the Lower East Side-born coffee brand known for its community-driven approach and single-origin coffees, is expanding its presence in Miami with a new location at Domus Brickell Park. The opening marks the brand’s third location in South Florida and second in Miami.

This new outpost represents a significant step for Ludlow Coffee Supply, introducing its first all-day café concept that transitions from a daytime coffee destination into an evening cocktail lounge. The move reflects the brand’s evolution from a neighbourhood coffee shop into a broader hospitality experience that blends coffee culture with nightlife.

Building on its success in New York and South Florida, the brand has developed a loyal following through its specialty coffee offerings and fresh food selections. The Domus Brickell Park location will roll out in two phases. The first phase will feature Ludlow’s signature café experience, similar to its existing outlet at 801 Brickell, while the second phase will introduce a full-service evening menu along with curated programming such as DJ sets, listening sessions, and late-night events.

Speaking about the expansion, John Seymour said, “Miami has always felt like an extension of what we built on the Lower East Side; a city that moves fast but still makes time for real connection. Domus Brickell Park gives us the space to fully realize that vision: a place where the morning espresso crowd and the late-night cocktail crowd are really the same people, just at different hours. We're not just opening a café - we're planting a neighborhood.”

The café menu will feature crafted lattes, espressos, single-origin cold brews, teas, and smoothies, along with signature flavours such as maple, bourbon vanilla, salted caramel, and mocha. Food offerings include breakfast tacos, sandwiches, salads, and grab-and-go options. As the day transitions into evening, a dedicated cocktail programme will take centre stage, extending the experience into a social nightlife setting.

Designed by Zyscovich, the space blends Ludlow’s Lower East Side character with Miami’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Guests can enjoy a bright coffee bar for work and meetings, along with an open patio designed for relaxed, all-day gatherings. As night falls, the venue transforms into a vibrant cocktail space, bringing a new energy to the neighbourhood.

Adding to the experience, Ludlow Market Supply will offer a curated selection of wellness products, pantry essentials, home goods, and vintage items, enhancing the brand’s community-focused approach.

With this launch, Ludlow Coffee Supply continues to expand its footprint while introducing a new format that brings together coffee, culture, and nightlife in a seamless experience.


The Imperia by Dhaba Appoints Chef Jasbir Singh Adhikari as Assistant Chef

The Imperia by Dhaba Appoints Chef Jasbir Singh Adhikari as Assistant Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2026

The Imperia by Dhaba has announced the appointment of Jasbir Singh Adhikari as Assistant Chef. The restaurant, known for its fine-dining Indian cuisine, is part of a well-established family-owned group with a strong presence across New York City and New Jersey.

With an impressive 36 years of culinary experience, Chef Adhikari brings deep expertise in Indian cuisine, especially in traditional and tandoor-based cooking. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for balancing authenticity with evolving global tastes, shaped by his extensive work across international kitchens.

He has previously worked with Old World Hospitality, including its well-known restaurant Chor Bazar, where he contributed to showcasing India’s rich culinary heritage. His international experience includes roles at Tandoori King, Indian Restaurant Maharani, and Indian Restaurant Ganga, further refining his skills and understanding of diverse dining preferences.

In India, he has also been associated with Residency Resort Pvt. Ltd., strengthening his foundation in premium hospitality and guest-focused dining experiences. His career across continents reflects his adaptability, consistency, and commitment to quality.

In his new role, Chef Adhikari will support the culinary leadership team in delivering authentic Indian flavours while maintaining the brand’s standards of excellence and innovation.

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Sharing his thoughts, Chef Jasbir Singh Adhikari said, “I am truly honored to join The Imperia by Dhaba, a brand that represents authenticity and excellence in Indian cuisine. I look forward to contributing my experience to create memorable dining experiences while staying true to traditional flavors.”

The management expressed confidence that his experience and passion will play a key role in enhancing guest satisfaction and further strengthening the restaurant’s reputation in the region.


Azerai Resorts Introduces Premium Wedding Packages in Vietnam

Azerai Resorts Introduces Premium Wedding Packages in Vietnam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 18, 2026

Azerai Resorts has introduced new premium wedding packages across its properties in Vietnam, offering couples a chance to celebrate their special day in scenic and thoughtfully designed settings. The offerings focus on personalised experiences that bring together elegance, comfort, and attention to detail.

The wedding packages are available at Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence, Hue. Both properties combine natural surroundings with Azerai’s signature hospitality, offering flexible indoor and outdoor venues suited for celebrations of different sizes. Each wedding is customised to match the couple’s preferences, ensuring a unique and memorable experience.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay, located in southern Vietnam, offers a beachfront setting ideal for intimate and mid-sized weddings. The resort can host up to 100 guests, with options to exchange vows at a beachfront sunken lounge for smaller gatherings or on a spacious pooldeck for larger celebrations. Dining experiences can be arranged by the poolside, at the Dining Room restaurant, or in a garden lounge overlooking natural surroundings. Couples also have the option to book the entire resort for a private celebration, with personalised décor and arrangements designed to reflect their vision.

Situated around a 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the resort is spread across five hectares of landscaped gardens, with views of Hon Ba Island and nearby sand dunes. Azerai Ke Ga Bay has also received notable recognition, including a MICHELIN Key in 2025 as a “very special stay” and the Best Boutique Resort of the Year at the Gourmet Vietnam Awards by Epicure magazine. It has also been ranked among the most Instagrammable hotels globally and recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s leading boutique properties.

For those looking for a more historic setting, Azerai La Residence, Hue offers a riverside venue in Vietnam’s former imperial capital. The property can host weddings for up to 300 guests, with popular options including poolside dinners overlooking the Perfume River. Ceremonies and receptions can be held at the Le Gouverneur Bar Terrace or on the wooden deck near Le Spa, while dining experiences are hosted at Le Parfum restaurant.

The hotel also offers themed wedding packages with elegant décor, curated menus, and personalised elements. Couples are provided with a one-night stay in a Superior Riverview Room, along with a set-menu dinner, a bottle of Champagne with a glass tower, and a 60-minute spa treatment for two.

Azerai La Residence, Hue is built around a colonial mansion dating back to 1930, known for its art deco design and architectural character. The property has also been recognised as one of Vietnam’s top hotels by The Times in the UK.

With these new offerings, Azerai Resorts continues to position itself as a preferred choice for destination weddings, combining scenic locations, personalised service, and curated experiences for modern couples.

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