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.


Kenya’s Hidden Honeymoon Escapes: Wild, Romantic & Wonderfully Untamed

Kenya’s Hidden Honeymoon Escapes: Wild, Romantic & Wonderfully Untamed

By Hariharan U

Published on November 1, 2025

For couples who crave both adventure and intimacy, Kenya stands out as a honeymoon destination that captures the best of both worlds. Imagine camping under a starlit sky with the sounds of the wild echoing in the background, waking up to birdsong, and setting out to spot lions and elephants at dawn. Add candlelit dinners, fresh African cuisine, and the gentle hum of nature, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for romance in the wild.

Kenya is best known for the Masai Mara and its incredible Great Migration, but there’s so much more waiting beyond the savannahs. Whether you’re drawn to city experiences, coastal calm, or secluded safaris, Kenya has plenty of hidden gems for honeymooners to explore.

While many travellers treat Nairobi as a brief halt before the wild adventures begin, the capital city is worth exploring on its own. Start your journey at the Giraffe Centre, a delightful experience where visitors can hand-feed the endangered Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform, a memory that’s both charming and heartwarming.

If you’re easing into relaxation mode after the wedding rush, luxury boutique hotels in the city offer rejuvenating spa treatments and tranquil stays. For couples with a spirit of adventure, a day trip to Nairobi National Park provides an early glimpse of Kenya’s wildlife spot rhinos, lions, and other majestic animals roaming freely.

Head to Westlands, the vibrant heart of Nairobi, where chic cafés, rooftop bars, and art galleries create the perfect date-night atmosphere. For golf enthusiasts, Nairobi’s lush greens, like Muthaiga Golf Club, Karen Country Club, and Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club promise memorable mornings on the course.

Kenya’s coastline is a dream come true for beach lovers. With its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and breezy islands, it offers just as much allure as its wildlife-rich parks. The UNESCO-listed island of Lamu charms visitors with its Swahili culture, narrow streets, and traditional dhows gliding across the shimmering sea. Enjoy freshly caught seafood, explore hidden caves, or sail through mangroves at sunset.

For a touch of adventure, couples can go diving, kitesurfing, or snorkelling at Watamu or the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. Those seeking a cultural fix will find Mombasa equally enchanting with its mix of heritage and modernity.

Want to wake up by the sea? Choose from Almanara Luxury Resort & Spa on Diani Beach or the idyllic The Sands at Chale Island, both offering plush stays and breathtaking ocean views that redefine luxury.

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While the Masai Mara remains Kenya’s safari showstopper, there are quieter, equally stunning sanctuaries for honeymooners. The Segera Retreat blends luxury with sustainability, making it ideal for couples who want a mindful getaway. In Laikipia, private conservancies like Lewa and Ol Pejeta offer intimate game drives and a chance to see the last two northern white rhinos on Earth.

The Samburu National Reserve is another must-visit, known for its dramatic landscapes and rare species such as the Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe. Stay at the Saruni Samburu Lodge, where the infinity pool offers endless views of untouched wilderness—a scene straight out of a dream.

Kenya has a way of turning moments into memories. Picture yourselves drifting over the Savannah in a hot air balloon, or enjoying a private bush dinner under a sky full of stars. Toast your love on a dhow ride in Lamu, or relax with a couple’s massage in a seaside cabana while the Indian Ocean hums in the background.

Whether you’re on your honeymoon, babymoon, or just seeking a luxurious escape filled with adventure and affection, Kenya offers experiences that go far beyond the ordinary.

So skip the clichés, let Kenya surprise you with its perfect mix of the wild, the warm, and the wonderfully romantic.


Mark the Upcoming Festivities in Style with Spook-tacular Halloween Offers at Al Habtoor City

Mark the Upcoming Festivities in Style with Spook-tacular Halloween Offers at Al Habtoor City

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 1, 2025

As the cooler weather ushers in a season of celebrations, Al Habtoor City is all set to transform into a vibrant hub of festive fun and flavour this October. Home to three of Dubai’s most distinguished hotels, Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, and V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton, the destination promises a spook-tacular line-up of Halloween experiences for guests of all ages.

From frightfully fun feasts to family-friendly festivities, Al Habtoor City is inviting everyone to mark the upcoming festivities in style, creating memories that blend laughter, indulgence, and a touch of Halloween magic.

Halloween at The Market | Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City

Guests can step into the eerie spirit of Halloween at The Market, where a family-friendly evening awaits with a lavish buffet of pumpkin-spiced treats, creepy-cool beverages, and spine-tingling décor. With themed surprises and an atmosphere filled with laughter and light-hearted scares, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season of fun and frights.

  • When: Friday, October 31st | Time: 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
  • Where: The Market, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
  • Offer: Halloween buffet featuring themed dishes and beverages

Kids Club Halloween Bash | Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City

Little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes are in for a treat at the Kids Club Halloween Bash, where an entire day of spooky fun awaits. Children can enjoy arts and crafts, photo booths, and trick-or-treat adventures, making it the ultimate Halloween party for the young ones.

  • When: Friday, October 31st | Time: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Where: Kids Club, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
  • Note: Children must be accompanied by their parents or guardians at all times.

Noche de Brujas at Zoco | V Hotel Dubai

For those seeking a bold and lively Halloween night, Zoco at V Hotel Dubai sets the stage for an unforgettable Noche de Brujas, a Latin-inspired evening brimming with flavour and flair. Guests can savour hauntingly delicious specials such as Hollow Soul and Bloody Steak, enjoy energetic Latin beats, and soak in an ambience that keeps the spirit of Halloween alive well past midnight.

  • When: Friday, October 31st | Time: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
  • Where: Zoco, V Hotel Dubai
  • Offer: 3-course Halloween-themed set menu inclusive of soft beverages

With a mix of culinary creativity, family fun, and festive flair, Al Habtoor City ensures this Halloween season will be one to remember,  whether you’re feasting, dancing, or trick-or-treating your way through Dubai’s most happening hospitality destination.


Boeing Reports $5.4 Billion Loss Following 777X Aircraft Delays

Boeing Reports $5.4 Billion Loss Following 777X Aircraft Delays

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

Boeing has reported a USD 5.4 billion loss for the third quarter, primarily due to a USD 4.9 billion charge tied to the delayed certification of its 777X aircraft, which has now pushed deliveries to 2027. Despite a 30% revenue increase to USD 23.3 billion, driven by higher commercial aircraft deliveries, the company continues to face mounting challenges, marking its 17th consecutive quarterly loss.

The delay in the 777X program has significantly impacted Boeing’s financials. The company had expected to advance the next phase of certification flights this year but has deferred them to 2027 to complete additional preparatory analyses required by US regulators.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged the setback but expressed optimism about the company’s progress.

“While we are disappointed in the 777X schedule delay, the airplane continues to perform well in flight testing, and we remain focused on the work ahead,” Ortberg said.

Ortberg also pointed to the recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to increase monthly production of the 737 MAX as a sign of recovery and confirmed that Boeing achieved positive free cash flow during the quarter, a metric closely followed by investors.

However, the aviation giant continues to face operational and reputational hurdles stemming from past safety incidents, including the two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which prompted tighter FAA scrutiny over all new certifications.

According to Briefing.com, Boeing’s latest results show “a mix of clear progress and lingering challenges,” emphasizing the company must still prove that its turnaround efforts can lead to consistent profitability.

In contrast, European rival Airbus reported a 14% rise in profits to USD 1.1 billion, highlighting the gap in financial performance between the two aerospace leaders. However, Boeing has regained a lead in aircraft orders for 2025, recording 774 net orders by the end of September, compared to Airbus’s 514.

Under the revised timeline, Boeing expects commercial deliveries of the 777X to begin in 2027, delayed from the earlier 2026 estimate. The program is expected to remain a cash drain for the initial years after launch but could turn cash flow positive by 2029, according to Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave.

Meanwhile, Boeing is also dealing with a labor strike at its St. Louis defense operations, where over 3,000 workers recently rejected the company’s latest contract proposal. Ortberg stated that the facility continues to operate under contingency plans, with production running at roughly the same rate.

Union leaders, however, criticized Boeing’s decision to recruit replacement workers, citing the complexity of precision manufacturing and the value of experienced labor.

“These are complex, precision-built products and they cannot replace the skilled, experienced IAM members who have dedicated their careers to this work,” the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 said in a statement.

Shares of Boeing closed down 4.4%, as investors weighed the company’s progress against ongoing financial and operational setbacks.

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