Royal Caribbean Set to Open New Royal Beach Club in Cozumel by 2026

Royal Caribbean Set to Open New Royal Beach Club in Cozumel by 2026

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 30, 2024

In a significant expansion of its destination offerings, Royal Caribbean International is all set to enhance the vacation experience with the launch of Royal Beach Club Cozumel, slated to open its doors in 2026. Unveiled by Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, alongside Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley, the announcement was made in the presence of Quintana Roo's Secretary of Tourism, Bernardo Cueto Riestra, and Cozumel's mayor, Juanita Alonso.

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel aims to be the ultimate beach day experience for vacationers, blending Royal Caribbean's signature amenities with the rich culture and vibrant spirit of Mexico. Located along the western coast of Cozumel Island, the beach club will offer guests a plethora of experiences ranging from relaxing on striking beaches and pools to enjoying swim-up bars, a variety of dining options, and engaging in hands-on activities like tequila tastings and cooking classes.

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Jason Liberty expressed his excitement about further strengthening the partnership with the local community and government to continue welcoming guests to Mexico. Michael Bayley shared his enthusiasm for introducing the next iteration of the Royal Beach Club Collection in Cozumel, highlighting the destination's incredible offerings and the beach club's blend of Royal Caribbean touches with the spirit of Mexico.

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel will cater to every type of vacationer, featuring private cabanas, dedicated pools for relaxation and families, snorkelling, kayaking, and more. Dining options will range from beach day favourites to authentic Mexican cuisine, all set against the backdrop of Cozumel's stunning landscapes.

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Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, voiced her pride in Cozumel being chosen for the Royal Beach Club and emphasised the commitment to partnering with the private sector for sustainable development and job creation.

This announcement comes on the heels of Royal Caribbean's continuous efforts to offer exceptional vacation experiences, including the transformation of Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. With more details to be revealed in the coming months, Royal Beach Club Cozumel is poised to become a cherished destination for Royal Caribbean guests.


Ibiza Holiday Rentals Plunge as Spain Tightens Crackdown on Overtourism

Ibiza Holiday Rentals Plunge as Spain Tightens Crackdown on Overtourism

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 18, 2026

Ibiza has seen a sharp decline in short-term holiday rentals in 2025 as Spain’s efforts to curb overtourism and regulate holiday homes begin to show results. According to tourism lobby Exceltur, the number of short-term tourist lets on the island dropped by nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year.

The supply of holiday rentals in Ibiza is now around 80 percent lower than in 2017, highlighting the scale of the crackdown. Across Spain, short-term rental listings fell by 4 percent in the second half of 2025 compared to a year earlier, marking the first nationwide decline on record. However, trends varied across the country’s 25 largest cities.

Spanish authorities have been tightening regulations in response to growing concerns from local residents, who say rising rents and property prices are being fuelled by tourist demand. In Ibiza, the local government has stepped up inspections to identify and remove unauthorised holiday rentals from the market.

Other popular destinations are also taking strong measures. Barcelona has announced plans to ban all holiday homes by 2028 as part of its long-term strategy to manage tourism pressure. Mallorca has joined Ibiza in enforcing stricter controls, with both islands recording the steepest drops in short-term rental supply.

However, not all regions are seeing a slowdown. Coastal cities such as Malaga and Almeria have continued to expand their tourist accommodation offerings, according to Exceltur, indicating uneven impact across Spain.

Exceltur vice president Oscar Perelli said that new rules requiring property owners to register homes before listing them on platforms such as Airbnb have played a key role in reducing supply. These regulations aim to bring better oversight and balance to the housing market.

Despite the restrictions, holiday homes continue to attract a significant share of visitors. Nearly one-third of tourists in Spain still choose rental homes, which generally remain more affordable than hotels. Holiday rentals had outpaced hotel growth for several years as Spain’s tourism boom placed it alongside France as one of the world’s top travel destinations.

Meanwhile, Ibiza recorded Spain’s highest hotel revenue per room last year at 170 euros, reflecting a 6 percent increase from 2024. The figures suggest that while rental supply is shrinking, demand for accommodation on the island remains strong.


EVA Air Recognized as the 8th Safest Airline Worldwide for 2026

EVA Air Recognized as the 8th Safest Airline Worldwide for 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 18, 2026

EVA Air has been recognized as the 8th safest airline in the world for 2026 by AirlineRatings.com, earning a place on the platform’s “Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2026.” This achievement marks the airline’s 13th consecutive year of being featured among the world’s safest carriers, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to flight safety.

Notably, EVA Air is the only airline from Taiwan to secure a position within the global top ten, highlighting its consistent performance and strong safety culture when compared with international peers. Since its establishment in 1989, the airline has maintained an excellent safety record, with no major accidents, while continuing to place safety at the core of its operations alongside service quality.

Commenting on the recognition, EVA President Clay Sun said, “Flight safety is the most important and non-negotiable core value of EVA Air. Being recognized by AirlineRatings.com for 13 consecutive years is the greatest encouragement and honor for all our employees who have consistently upheld a strong safety culture and rigorously implemented standard operating procedures. We will continue to enhance our safety management systems and strengthen risk prevention mechanisms to provide passengers with the safest and most reliable flying experience.”

AirlineRatings.com is a globally respected aviation rating organization, with evaluations based on multiple parameters such as safety records, fleet age, international audits, pilot training, maintenance standards, and overall operational management. These criteria ensure a high level of credibility and transparency in its rankings.

The latest recognition not only affirms EVA Air’s continued efforts in maintaining high safety standards but also serves as motivation for its teams to further strengthen systems and practices. Alongside safety, the airline continues to invest in service upgrades to enhance passenger comfort and overall travel experience, reflecting its broader commitment to reliability and quality in global aviation.


MGallery Collection Steps Into 2026 With New and Inspiring Global Destinations

MGallery Collection Steps Into 2026 With New and Inspiring Global Destinations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 18, 2026

MGallery Collection is set to enter a new chapter with a series of upcoming openings across some of the world’s most evocative destinations. From coastal retreats to island hideaways, the brand continues to strengthen its portfolio with properties that celebrate a strong sense of place, local character, and refined hospitality.

The upcoming additions span diverse locations, including the relaxed shores of Noosa in Australia, the serene beauty of the Maldives, the natural landscapes of Oléron Island in France, and the vibrant yet tranquil settings of Phuket in Thailand. Each property has been designed to offer guests immersive experiences shaped by culture, nature, and thoughtful storytelling.

Sharing her perspective on the brand’s expansion, Maud Bailly, CEO Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, said, “Each upcoming opening enriches our brand's portfolio of signature hotels, where every stay becomes a memorable and meaningful experience. Designed to celebrate local and unique character, our hotels invite travellers to discover new places, new atmospheres and new stories to experience. We are extremely proud of our pipeline of five upcoming openings and look forward to welcoming guests to these new destinations around the world.”

In the Maldives, the former Mirihi Island Resort is being reintroduced as V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, MGallery Collection following a comprehensive renovation and expansion led by Studio Gronda. The boutique resort will feature 42 villas, including beach and overwater options, as well as multi-bedroom suites with private pools. Inspired by Maldivian heritage and the delicate Mirihi flower, the resort reflects a philosophy of quiet luxury, offering a peaceful retreat shaped by the rhythms of the ocean and surrounded by vibrant reefs and a protected lagoon.

Australia will welcome Elysium Noosa Resort, MGallery Collection, located on Hastings Street close to Noosa National Park and Laguna Bay. The resort will offer 175 rooms, including suites and villas, designed to reflect Mediterranean elegance blended with a relaxed beachside lifestyle. Its dining concepts highlight regional produce and coastal flavours, while the design allows indoor and outdoor spaces to flow seamlessly, connecting guests with the surrounding ocean, forest, and river landscapes.

On the west coast of France, Le Bel Hôtel Oléron – MGallery Collection will be set within a protected natural site between forest and beach. The property will offer 102 rooms and suites overlooking pine forests or the ocean, with interiors inspired by seaside architecture. A strong culinary focus will be led by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, complemented by wellness offerings including a marine spa and thalassotherapy experiences that draw from the island’s calm natural environment.

In Thailand, Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket, MGallery Collection will be located between lush hills and the Andaman Sea within the MontAzure community. The 150-room resort blends contemporary design with nature-led elements, offering access to Phuket’s lively experiences while maintaining a sense of calm and privacy.

Also in Phuket, Navera Phuket, MGallery Collection will be perched above Surin Beach, featuring 19 individually styled villas. Drawing inspiration from maritime themes and Sino-Portuguese heritage, the property is designed to provide intimate, personalised stays with sweeping views of the Andaman Sea.

Together, these upcoming openings reflect MGallery Collection’s continued focus on curated destinations, design-led storytelling, and meaningful guest journeys across the globe.

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