Playa Hotels & Resorts Introduces The Blind Butcher: A Culinary Revolution at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

Playa Hotels & Resorts Introduces The Blind Butcher: A Culinary Revolution at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana

By Author

Published on January 2, 2024

Virginia-based hospitality provider Playa Hotels & Resorts has recently launched an avant-garde dining experience, The Blind Butcher, at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. Positioned as the world's first speakeasy within an all-inclusive resort, this culinary venture seamlessly integrates exquisite dining with immersive entertainment.

Tucked away behind the facade of a 1950s butcher shop, The Blind Butcher offers patrons a multisensory experience, drawing inspiration from vintage English and French eateries. The venue boasts cutting-edge technology for live entertainment, creating an ambiance that transcends traditional dining settings.

Unlike conventional all-inclusive resorts, The Blind Butcher is open to both the public and hotel guests, extending its appeal beyond the confines of an all-inclusive package.

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Fernando Mulet, Playa's Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, expressed the significance of The Blind Butcher, stating, "The Blind Butcher is a testament to the relentless pursuit to consistently elevate the offerings and provide a unique and unparalleled experience to Playa’s guests."

Acknowledging the evolving preferences of modern travellers, Mulet emphasised a departure from conventional buffets to cater to a more discerning audience. He explained, "Instead of an abundant but bland buffet, we understand the all-inclusive guest wants to try out new gourmet expressions. They want to explore quality rather than quantity, succulent taste rather than tried and true temptations – and that includes experiencing things that are outside of the already ample all-inclusive offering."

Playa Hotels & Resorts, with a portfolio comprising 24 properties and 9,027 rooms, owns and operates all-inclusive resorts across prime beachfront locations in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. The company manages a diverse range of properties under well-known brands such as Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt

Ziva, Hilton All-Inclusive, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Wyndham Alltra, Seadust, Jewel Resorts, and The Luxury Collection. Additionally, Playa oversees a network of over 350 food and beverage outlets, offering hospitality experiences ranging from five-star fine dining to family-oriented concepts and casual swim-up bars.


Iniala Harbour House Makes History as Malta’s First Hotel to Earn Two Michelin Keys

Iniala Harbour House Makes History as Malta’s First Hotel to Earn Two Michelin Keys

By Hariharan U

Published on October 14, 2025

Iniala Harbour House and Residences in Valletta has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first hotel in Malta to receive two Michelin Keys. The award, announced during the debut of the Michelin Key selection for Malta, recognises the property’s outstanding design, service, and hospitality, a testament to its global reputation for excellence.

The Michelin Key represents the highest level of distinction for hotels worldwide, honouring those that deliver truly exceptional stays. Similar to Michelin Stars for restaurants, the Keys are awarded after detailed evaluations across five criteria: design and architecture, quality and consistency of service, individuality, value for money, and contribution to the guest experience.

Iniala Harbour House’s two-Key recognition celebrates its refined style and attention to detail. Spread across beautifully restored Maltese townhouses and palazzos dating back to the 1600s, the property blends history with contemporary luxury. Overlooking the Grand Harbour, the hotel offers elegant accommodations and bespoke experiences that have redefined luxury travel in Malta.

At its rooftop, guests can discover ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that champions local, seasonal produce through a creative farm-to-table approach. The restaurant’s success mirrors the hotel’s philosophy of excellence and innovation, positioning Iniala Harbour House as Malta’s top destination for world-class dining and hospitality.

Founder of Iniala Group, Mark Weingard, expressed pride in the achievement, saying, “I want to congratulate my team, as well as my architects and designers, for helping us create a truly world-class hotel that has today been recognised with two Michelin Keys, a level that few hotels globally reach.” He added that upcoming plans include 19 new suites, two new dining concepts, and the Iniala Club, featuring an open-air pool, longevity centre, and fitness studio, all designed to elevate the guest experience even further.

David Weingard, General Manager of Iniala Harbour House, added, “Receiving two Michelin Keys in the very first year of the Keys being announced in Malta is an immense honour. It acknowledges the successful fusion of our visionary design, world-class service, and deep commitment to the Maltese Islands.”

This milestone also highlights Iniala’s dedication to setting new standards for luxury travel. The hotel now holds the distinction of being Malta’s only property with two Michelin Keys, the only Forbes Five-Star hotel in the country, and the home of Malta’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant.

The celebration extends beyond Malta. Iniala Beach House, the group’s sister property in Thailand, has retained its Michelin Key for the second consecutive year. Nestled on the serene Natai Beach, the intimate boutique hotel combines traditional Thai design with modern sophistication, offering guests a peaceful retreat by the Andaman Sea.

Iniala Beach House is also a culinary hotspot, housing Aulis Phuket, a 15-seat chef’s table by Simon Rogan, which earned its Michelin Star just a year after opening. The property also features Anaalā Thailand, a new dining concept by celebrity chef Ian Kittichai, bringing elevated Thai cuisine to life.

Together, the two hotels represent Iniala Group’s growing global influence, with a total of three Michelin Keys and multiple Michelin Stars across its properties. Their success reinforces Iniala’s vision — to craft extraordinary destinations defined by design, passion, and genuine hospitality.

For more details, visit inialamalta.com and inialathailand.com.


From Dubai Homes to the Mic: Swatee Sahani Launches ‘Swatee Talk Show’

From Dubai Homes to the Mic: Swatee Sahani Launches ‘Swatee Talk Show’

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 14, 2025

Dubai’s real estate market is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing in the world, attracting investors, homeowners, and international buyers. In this vibrant landscape, Swatee Sahani, a respected real estate expert with over 15 years of experience, has launched the Swatee Talk Show, a platform designed to make property insights simple, practical, and engaging.

The Swatee Talk Show provides educational guidance on Dubai’s real estate ecosystem. Whether you are a first-time buyer searching for your dream home, a seasoned investor looking to make profitable decisions, or a family planning to relocate to Dubai, the show delivers actionable advice, market updates, and investment insights. Each episode mixes expert discussions, lifestyle perspectives, and predictions about future living trends, making complex property topics easy to grasp.

“Real estate is about way more than property, it's about people’s dreams, achieving financial goals, and securing the future of these dreams. With my Swatee Talk Show, I want to give listeners honest insights, practical tips, and clear guidance to explore Dubai’s property market safely,” says Swatee Sahani.

Throughout her career, Swatee has earned a reputation for integrity, transparency, and dedication to her clients’ best interests. She is known for breaking down complex market trends into simple, actionable advice, helping clients make informed decisions with sustainable returns.

What sets the Swatee Talk Show apart is its combination of professional expertise and storytelling with honesty and clarity. Episodes are curated to inform, entertain, and capture the audience’s attention, providing insights on growth opportunities, upcoming investment areas, and Dubai’s luxury lifestyle, even for listeners not actively seeking property investment.

Industry experts anticipate the show will quickly become a trusted resource for investors and homeowners as Dubai continues to gain global attention for its booming real estate market. By blending credible information with approachable content, Swatee is making property investment engaging, understandable, and less intimidating.

The Swatee Talk Show, hosted by Swatee Sahani, explores Dubai’s real estate market, shares her 15 years of industry experience, and invites conversations with experienced guests. It is designed to educate, inspire, and guide anyone interested in Dubai’s property opportunities.


Wyndham Expands in Germany and Austria with 25 New Hotels

Wyndham Expands in Germany and Austria with 25 New Hotels

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 14, 2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has taken a major step forward in Europe by signing 25 new hotels across Germany and Austria, in collaboration with Gorgeous Smiling Hotels (GSH). This expansion adds nearly 2,500 rooms and follows the recent merger of GSH with Aspire Hotel Group, marking a significant milestone in a partnership that began in 2016.

The new hotels are located in prime cities such as Stuttgart, Munich, Hannover, and Vienna, giving guests easy access to iconic landmarks and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore Vienna’s imperial palaces and concert halls, Munich’s historic old town and beer gardens, Stuttgart’s automotive museums and art scene, and Hannover’s trade fairs and green spaces. Each property is designed to reflect the unique character of its city, serving as a convenient base for business travellers, tourists, or event attendees.

“The DACH region is one of the most dynamic and strategically important markets in Europe, combining strong business hubs, vibrant leisure destinations, and a high volume of international travel. Expanding our partnership with Gorgeous Smiling Hotels allows us to deepen our presence in key cities like Munich, Vienna, and Stuttgart, where demand for high-quality accommodations is growing. This expansion not only strengthens our scale and market leadership but also enhances our ability to deliver exceptional experiences to guests while creating long-term value for partners and investors,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Heiko Grote and Andreas Erben, CEOs of Gorgeous Smiling Hotels, added, “We were proud to be the first to introduce the Super 8 brand to Germany, a milestone that reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership with Wyndham. With 25 additional hotels joining the Wyndham portfolio, this expansion further deepens our collaboration, combining local expertise with Wyndham’s global scale to deliver long-term value. Together, we are building on our shared vision for growth across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.”

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