Preferred Hotels & Resorts Adds 30 New Member Properties in Q2 2024

Preferred Hotels & Resorts Adds 30 New Member Properties in Q2 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 27, 2024

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of 30 new member properties to its global portfolio from April 1 to June 30, 2024. These properties, which include an adults-only all-inclusive resort and a historic villa, offer unique and personalized guest experiences in destinations such as South Africa, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, and the Dominican Republic.

Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about the new additions: “We’re thrilled to welcome these 30 stunning properties to our global portfolio of luxury independent hotels. In addition to representing our largest announcement of new members since 2018, each one exemplifies our commitment to transformational travel experiences. In particular, our eight new prestigious Legend Collection members demonstrate the highest levels of luxury in some of the most inspiring destinations across the globe.”

Properties joining the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio include:

Casa Velas Puerto Vallarta (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) – Lifestyle Collection: An adults-only boutique resort on Mexico's Pacific Riviera with 80 suites, private immersion pools, and scenic garden and golf course views.

Forth Hotel & Club (Atlanta, Georgia) – L.V.X Collection: Urban resort with 196 rooms, four dining concepts, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and members-only social club.

The Marker Union Square (San Francisco, California) – Lifestyle Collection: Renovated historic hotel with Beaux-arts architecture, 208 guestrooms, and a blend of historic charm and modern comfort.

Boutique Hotel Stresa (Stresa, Italy) – L.V.X Collection: Luxurious retreat in a 250-year-old villa, known as "Casa d’Oro," in the town of Stresa, often called the Pearl of Lake Maggiore.

Only YOU Hotel Sevilla (Seville, Spain) – L.V.X Collection: Modern hotel in Seville, blending Mediterranean and Arabic influences with Andalusian elegance.

The RuMa Hotel & Residences (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) – Lifestyle Collection: Urban sanctuary in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle with 253 luxurious rooms, combining tradition and modernity.

Mahali Mzuri (Masai Mara, Kenya) – Legend Collection: Luxury tented camp in the Masai Mara, offering an exclusive safari experience.

Kasbah Tamadot (Asni, Morocco) – Legend Collection: Prestigious luxury property in Morocco.

Mont Rochelle (Franschhoek, South Africa) – Legend Collection: Luxurious hotel located in South Africa’s wine country.

Necker Island (The Valley, British Virgin Islands) – Legend Collection: Exclusive private island resort in the British Virgin Islands.

Son Bunyola (Mallorca, Spain) – Legend Collection: Elegant estate in Mallorca, Spain, offering a luxurious retreat.

Ulusaba (Sabi Sands, South Africa) – Legend Collection: Luxury safari lodge in Sabi Sands, South Africa.

Bluesun Hotel Maestral (Brela, Croatia) – Lifestyle Collection: Upscale hotel in Brela, Croatia, known for its stunning coastal views.

HOTEL EXCELSIOR SPA & LIDO (Pesaro, Italy) – Lifestyle Collection: Luxurious spa hotel in Pesaro, Italy.

Galeria Plaza Leon (Leon, Mexico) – Lifestyle Collection: Modern hotel in Leon, Mexico, offering stylish accommodations.

Leiro Residences (Málaga, Spain) – Preferred Residences: Exclusive residential property in Málaga, Spain.

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa (Sonoma, California) – L.V.X Collection: Elegant hotel and spa in Sonoma, California.

Ocean El Faro (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic) – Lifestyle Collection: Beachfront resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort (Naturno, Italy) – Lifestyle Collection: Luxury wellness resort in Naturno, Italy.

Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel (Sesimbra, Portugal) – Lifestyle Collection: Oceanfront hotel in Sesimbra, Portugal.

Silverado Resort (Napa, California) – Lifestyle Collection: Iconic resort in Napa, California, known for its wine country charm.

The Branson Beach Estate (Spanish Town, British Virgin Islands) – Legend Collection: Luxury beach estate in the British Virgin Islands.

The Lodge (Verbier, Switzerland) – Legend Collection: High-end alpine lodge in Verbier, Switzerland.

Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge (Tucson, Arizona) – Lifestyle and Preferred Residences Collection: Scenic resort and club in Tucson, Arizona.

Vivienda Al Hada (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Luxurious residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Al Hada Residences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Exclusive residences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda DQ (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Prestigious residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Granada (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Elegant residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Jeddah (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Upscale residential property in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Vivienda Turki Al Awal (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) – L.V.X Collection: Luxurious residential property in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

These properties are part of the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, which includes over 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. The loyalty program allows members to earn points redeemable for cash-value reward certificates, Titanium status, and other exclusive benefits.


Clarks Exotica Honoured for Service & Operations at Exhibition Excellence Awards 2025

Clarks Exotica Honoured for Service & Operations at Exhibition Excellence Awards 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 18, 2025

Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa has been named 1st Runner-Up in the ‘Excellence in Services & Operations’ category at the Exhibition Excellence Awards (EEA) 2025, held at the CICDO Exhibition Center in Mumbai. This prestigious recognition reinforces the resort’s status as a leading hospitality and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in India.

Clarks Exotica’s strength lies in its precision-driven and guest-centric approach, catering to four key guest profiles: MICE clientele, destination weddings, FITs (Free Independent Travellers), and airline crew—each experiencing tailored hospitality designed for their unique needs.

  • MICE guests enjoy bespoke arrivals with company-branded gifts, themed room décor, and signature desserts.

  • Wedding guests receive thoughtful in-room surprises including festive sweets and handwritten notes.

  • FITs are treated with wellness hampers, dietary-specific meals, and occasion-based surprises.

  • Airline crew benefit from streamlined check-ins, restful stays, and time-sensitive efficiency.

In FY 2024–25, Clarks Exotica undertook strategic operational and infrastructure upgrades, resulting in improved guest satisfaction across key platforms:

  • Booking.com rating rose from 7.4 to 8.4

  • Tripadvisor ranking improved to #22 of 1,136 hotels in Bengaluru

  • Won the Agoda 2024 Customer Review Award with a score of 8.1

These results were powered by a committed, cross-functional team led by Varun Sharma, General Manager - Operations. His leadership played a key role in aligning departments towards a singular focus on service excellence.

Noteworthy team contributions include:

  • Rakesh Kumar (Rooms Division): Streamlined and personalised guest journeys

  • Chef Suresh (Culinary): Introduced inventive and diverse dining options

  • Satyabrata Samal (Housekeeping): Rolled out eco-friendly practices and rapid response SOPs

  • Senthil Kumar (F&B): Elevated banquet services with training and delightful add-ons

  • Kuldeep Singh (Security): Enhanced safety with seamless guest confidence measures

  • Raghavendra Srinivasa (IT): Delivered robust digital infrastructure and event tech support

  • Chetan (Engineering): Ensured operational uptime through sustainable engineering

Balaji M, CEO of Clarks Exotica, shared:

"This award is a true reflection of what happens when passion meets process. It’s not about doing one thing differently—it’s about doing everything thoughtfully. Every detail, from food to room service, is shaped by care and consistency. We’re proud of our team and thankful for the trust of our guests."

Located just 15 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport, the resort is nestled across 70 acres of greenery, offering over 15 versatile venues for exhibitions, weddings, conferences, leisure travel, and airline layovers. As it continues redefining luxury hospitality with scale, warmth, and intent, this latest recognition marks another milestone in Clarks Exotica’s journey.


This Summer, Pick Your Own Harvest and Dine at Dusk at Seb’s Farm, RAAYA by Atmosphere

This Summer, Pick Your Own Harvest and Dine at Dusk at Seb’s Farm, RAAYA by Atmosphere

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 18, 2025

This summer, the Maldives invites you to slow down, dig deep, and dine differently. At Seb’s Farm, tucked within the heart of RAAYA by Atmosphere, guests are welcomed into a world where storytelling meets sustainability.

Inspired by Seb, an explorer who once sought solace in the tropics, the farm is a living tribute to his journey. It now offers a thoughtfully curated “Harvest-to-Plate Dinner” that begins with a morning harvest and ends with a starlit meal, featuring your hand-picked ingredients and fine wine pairings.

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The experience includes guided farm tours, family-style lunches, and menus that celebrate seasonal produce and local seafood—designed to nourish the body and connect with nature. Vegan delights like Roasted Pumpkin and Homegrown Beet Tossed shine on the menu, paired perfectly with Villa Antinori Toscana wines. Guests can customise their meals with fresh fish or meat options, and wrap up their dining journey with indulgent desserts like Kanamadhu Chocolate Fudge and Ivory Coconut Mousse.

Seb’s Farm is more than a place to eat—it’s a place to connect. A celebration of simple pleasures, sustainability, and soul. Much like RAAYA itself, it’s designed to rejuvenate the spirit through tropical ambience, mindful luxury, and unforgettable moments.


Marriott Debuts First Autograph Collection Hotel in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu

Marriott Debuts First Autograph Collection Hotel in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 17, 2025

Marriott International has launched its first Autograph Collection hotel in South Asia with the opening of The Soaltee Kathmandu. Located in the culturally rich Tahachal area of Nepal’s capital, the 285-room property marks the entry of Marriott’s 19th brand in the region, expanding its footprint across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

A landmark in Nepalese hospitality since 1966, The Soaltee has been reimagined under the Autograph Collection brand, known for offering hotels that are “Exactly Like Nothing Else.” The property celebrates Nepal’s artistic and architectural legacy, with features like hand-carved wooden jaalis, Thangka paintings, exposed brick interiors, and sweeping views of the Himalayas and Swoyambhunath Stupa.

A standout feature is “The Storyteller”, a curated space in the public areas that weaves together the hotel’s historic journey through guest stories and cultural artefacts. Each room and suite is designed with a unique narrative, showcasing the Autograph Collection’s focus on individuality and immersive local experiences.

Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International, shared,

“The debut of Autograph Collection Hotels in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu reflects our commitment to expanding into culturally rich leisure destinations. With its legacy and distinct character, the hotel perfectly aligns with our vision of delivering immersive, one-of-a-kind stays.”

The hotel offers an eclectic range of dining experiences:

  • Garden Terrace for global and local cuisine

  • Kakori for Awadhi delicacies

  • Bao Xuan for Chinese specialities

  • Patio for al fresco dining

  • Rodi Bar and the Sports Lounge for laid-back socializing

Guests can also enjoy a spa, outdoor pool, tennis court, and 24-hour fitness centre, making it a well-rounded urban retreat. The property boasts over 25,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, positioning it as a premium venue for weddings, MICE events, and social gatherings.

In line with Marriott’s sustainability goals, The Soaltee Kathmandu features in-house water bottling, an herb garden, and energy-efficient infrastructure to reduce its environmental impact.

General Manager Avinash Deshmukh stated,

“With a legacy of over 58 years, this iconic hotel blends Nepal’s cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. We are proud to open the first Autograph Collection in South Asia and usher in a new chapter for the brand in the region.”

With its debut, The Soaltee Kathmandu not only elevates Nepal’s luxury hospitality landscape but also strengthens Marriott’s brand presence across South Asia through a property that’s both timeless and forward-looking.

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