The Hari Hong Kong is marking its fifth anniversary with a culinary celebration featuring Chef Marco Quarta, Executive Chef of il Pampero at The Hari London. The acclaimed Italian chef will be taking over the kitchen at Lucciola Restaurant & Bar this November, bringing his authentic flavours and artistry from London to Hong Kong.

From November 11th to 14th, guests can indulge in a limited-time lunch set menu showcasing Chef Marco’s signature creations. The highlight of the celebration will be a four-course dinner on November 14th, where Chef Marco will personally curate and present an exclusive menu blending his Puglian roots with modern Italian finesse.

Born and raised in Puglia, Italy, Chef Marco’s culinary journey has spanned decades and continents. After training in Brindisi, he refined his craft in several of London’s leading restaurants, holding positions such as Sous Chef at The Savoy, Head Chef at Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, and The Punchbowl in Mayfair. Before joining The Hari London as Executive Chef in April, he led the culinary team at The Dixon Hotel and even served as a private chef for Arab royalty.

At Lucciola, Chef Marco will present two of his popular creations as part of the lunch menu, Cappesante Arrostite, Mele & Cavolfiore, Prosciutto di Parma (roasted scallops with golden apple, cauliflower purée, and crispy Parma ham) and Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa e Tarallo Pugliese (orecchiette pasta with rapini and Apulian tarallo crumb). 

For the Guest Shift Dinner on November 14th, guests will experience an immersive Italian feast featuring dishes like Arancino Tartufato (black truffle Sicilian rice balls), Ippoglosso al Vapore con Fregola, Crema di Topinambur e Funghi Gallinacci (poached halibut with Jerusalem artichoke purée and chanterelle mushrooms), and Costolette di Agnello in Crosta d’Erbe (herb-crusted lamb rack with rosemary jus). Each course will be paired with handpicked Italian wines such as Prosecco, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. The dinner concludes with a Baba’ al Limone con Crema Chantilly, a Neapolitan lemon baba served with chantilly cream and mixed berries. 

Following this special collaboration, from November 15th to 30th, a curated selection of Chef Marco’s signature dishes will continue to be available as part of Lucciola’s Cena Conviviale set dinner menu, allowing guests to savour his culinary brilliance even beyond the main event.

With this celebration, The Hari Hong Kong not only marks a milestone anniversary but also reinforces its commitment to curating exceptional global dining experiences for its guests.

Kibbutz Neot Semadar, located in Israel’s Southern Arava, has achieved global recognition after being selected for the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 list by UN Tourism. The announcement was made during an official ceremony held in China, where the kibbutz joined a select group of 250 villages worldwide recognised for excellence in sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation in tourism.

This milestone marks another proud moment for Israel’s tourism industry, as the country continues to gain international recognition for its commitment to responsible and community-led tourism development.

Congratulating the community, Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, said,

“Congratulations to Kibbutz Neot Semadar, which represents the best of the Israeli spirit, combining innovation, sustainability, and community. We are proud to have promoted the kibbutz’s candidacy and its achievement of the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 title. This recognition is another step in the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts within the framework of UN Tourism. It reflects the international acknowledgment of Israel’s uniqueness and its high-quality sustainable tourism.”

Founded in 1989, Kibbutz Neot Semadar is home to around 250 residents, including families, children, and volunteers from Israel and abroad. The community follows a unique cooperative and ecological lifestyle that integrates art, agriculture, and environmental awareness into daily living.

Visitors to Neot Semadar experience an inspiring model of desert tourism. The highlights include the Art Center, an architectural masterpiece built by the community over 15 years, an organic boutique winery, a local restaurant-café, an eco-lodge, art workshops, and stargazing opportunities next to the Weizmann Institute’s telescope. Each of these experiences reflects the kibbutz’s harmony with nature and its commitment to sustainable practices.

The Ministry of Tourism played a key role in supporting and guiding the kibbutz’s nomination, collaborating with the Eilot Regional Council to prepare materials and coordinate with the international jury. The effort aims to promote unique local communities on the global stage, reinforcing Israel’s image as a nation dedicated to innovation, culture, and sustainability.

This recognition also marks Israel’s second inclusion in UN Tourism’s Best Villages network, following the selection of Kfar Kama, a Circassian village in the Lower Galilee, in 2022.

Dr. Hanan Ginat, Head of the Eilot Regional Council – Southern Arava, expressed pride in the recognition, saying,

“Neot Semadar’s inclusion in the UN Tourism Best Villages network is an emotional and proud moment for the entire Southern Arava region. It represents international recognition of the community’s vision and dedication, reflecting the values we promote every day,  sustainability, innovation, and cooperation.”

The Kibbutz Neot Semadar Secretariat also shared,

“Over the past decade, Neot Semadar has undergone a true transformation in the field of tourism. Today we share our unique culture, cuisine, and architecture with visitors from Israel and around the world. This international recognition will serve as a springboard for further tourism development in the Arava and across Israel.”

This achievement not only celebrates Neot Semadar’s success but also places the Southern Arava and Israel on the global tourism map. Even amid global challenges, the UN’s recognition shines a spotlight on Israel’s commitment to sustainability, proving how a small desert community can inspire the world with its creativity, resilience, and respect for nature.

For more information, visit www.neot-semadar.com.

In a resounding affirmation of its position on the global luxury stage, THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrates a landmark achievement as OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is honoured with a prestigious MICHELIN Key. This distinguished accolade places the Maldivian sanctuary within an exclusive tier of just twelve five-star resorts in the archipelago, as recognised by the expert, anonymous inspectors of the MICHELIN Guide.

More than an award, this 1 MICHELIN Key honour unlocks a new realm of prestige for the brand, serving as a powerful testament to a philosophy where unparalleled service, transformative wellness, and culinary artistry converge to create guest experiences of unforgettable brilliance.

The MICHELIN Key distinction, a hallmark of extraordinary stays, further elevates the resort's reputation for bespoke luxury. This recognition highlights the OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI commitment to delivering a rarefied, all-encompassing island escape through its signature RESERVE Plan, a comprehensive, all-inclusive concept that epitomizes indulgence and meticulous attention to detail.

The Hallmarks of an Unforgettable Stay

The essence of the MICHELIN Key is reflected in the resort’s thoughtfully designed experiences, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality. Central to this is the RESERVE Plan, an all-inclusive indulgence offering unlimited gourmet dining across specialty restaurants, premium international beverages, and the personalized attention of a private butler. Every moment is orchestrated to perfection, ensuring a seamless and memorable stay.

Culinary excellence lies at the heart of the OZEN experience. From ORIGINꓱ, the resort’s acclaimed fine-dining venue, to SANGU BEACH, which celebrates Levantine flavours, each restaurant is celebrated for its craftsmanship and artistry. The architectural design harmonises with the pristine beauty of the South Malé Atoll, featuring expansive overwater and beachfront villas with private pools that embody both privacy and elegance.

Beyond the culinary and architectural brilliance, the resort’s wellness and lifestyle offerings add another dimension to the experience. The award-winning ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa provides transformative wellness journeys in overwater treatment lofts, while the CUVEÉ Wine Library, housing over 300 prestigious labels, offers connoisseurs a sophisticated space for curated tastings. Each touchpoint has been thoughtfully crafted to deliver a stay that is both indulgent and deeply personal.

Monica Coppetta, General Manager, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, shared,

“To receive a MICHELIN Key is to receive something far greater than an award; it is the most meaningful affirmation of our team's dedication and passion. This recognition tells us that our mission to craft deeply personal and unforgettable journeys for every guest is truly being felt. To stand among the very best in the Maldives is both an incredible honour and a powerful inspiration to continually redefine the pinnacle of luxury and service.”

The MICHELIN Key recognition serves as more than an accolade, it is an invitation to experience the zenith of Maldivian luxury. For the discerning traveller, it reaffirms that a stay at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI transcends the ordinary, offering a curated narrative where impeccable style, grace, and personalized care are not merely promised, but profoundly lived.

This prestigious honour further cements THE OZEN COLLECTION as a beacon of refined island hospitality, presenting it not just as a destination, but as the definitive choice for those seeking the true essence of luxury, where every detail is preempted, every setting is sublime, and every memory is timelessly crafted.