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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on May 23, 2025
S Hotels and Resorts PLC, a key player under Singha Estate PCL, is proud to celebrate a major milestone in sustainable hospitality. Its flagship lifestyle brand, SAii, has taken a bold step forward with SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Lagoon Maldives becoming the first and only venues in Thailand and the Maldives to receive GOLD certification from the Event Industry Council (EIC) under their Sustainable Event Standards. This recognition firmly positions SAii as a leader in eco-conscious MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and lifestyle travel.
This achievement follows years of strategic investments in upgrading event facilities to meet the rising demand for sustainable tourism. In addition to the EIC certification, SAii properties in Thailand have earned Green Globe certification for three consecutive years, with the Maldives properties maintaining the same for two years.
A frontrunner in Thailand, SAii Laguna Phuket boasts a 1,900-sqm ocean-facing event complex that adheres to TCEB’s Thailand MICE Venue Standards. The venue has eliminated single-use plastics by using reusable decorations, banning plastic straws, and offering recycling bins and green transport options. Each event’s carbon footprint can be measured using advanced technology to help organisers reduce environmental impact.
To further this commitment, the resort collaborates with Seeds of Change, a local organisation, to create upcycled eco beach bags from renovation materials—each handmade by community members and provided to guests. The SAii Spa offers herbal therapies using locally made products, and a Sustainable Sleep initiative has introduced eco-friendly King Koil mattresses across renovated rooms.
Guests also enjoy culinary offerings made with local ingredients, including produce from the on-site organic garden, and participate in activities such as beach clean-ups and cooking classes using regional produce.
SAii Lagoon Maldives, part of CROSSROADS Maldives, is the first in the Maldives to receive GOLD certification from EIC. It features a 326-sqm Event Hall designed for over 400 delegates, incorporating Hilton’s “Meet with Purpose” concept. Events are planned with a focus on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainability—from solar-powered energy and LED technology to the use of locally sourced ingredients.
The resort’s Marine Discovery Centre, staffed by marine biologists, plays a key role in educational and conservation programmes like coral propagation, which are also integrated into corporate retreats. Cooking classes, digital document usage, and polystyrene-free planning further align the resort with eco-conscious hospitality trends.
Recognised in the Top 100 Sustainable Hotels and Resorts by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, SAii Phi Phi continues to innovate with a new eco trail experience. This offering includes kayaking, cycling, snorkelling, and more—each designed to highlight the island’s biodiversity. Corporate guests can also participate in mangrove planting, nature trails, stargazing, and marine workshops led by in-house biologists.
Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels and Resorts, shared, “At SAii, we have integrated sustainable practices into every facet of our operations and customer experience. The recognition from the Event Industry Council and Green Globe, along with our guests’ feedback, motivates us to further our sustainability agenda.”
Through such meaningful initiatives, the SAii brand reaffirms its role as a trailblazer in combining luxurious guest experiences with environmental stewardship—showing that it is possible to celebrate the planet while enjoying world-class hospitality.
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By Hariharan U
Published on July 16, 2026
Italian luxury furniture brand Poltrona Frau has unveiled Infinitamente 2.0, a new sculptural dining table designed by Roberto Lazzeroni, marking a new chapter in the evolution of the Infinito family. The latest creation was presented during Milan Design Week 2026 and joins the brand’s permanent collection following the limited-edition Infinito table launched in 2021 and the Infinitamente table introduced in 2023.
Designed as an expression of timeless elegance and Italian craftsmanship, Infinitamente 2.0 expands the original concept into an extra-large dining table measuring over three metres in length and capable of seating up to twelve guests. The design continues Poltrona Frau’s philosophy of creating furniture pieces that transcend trends and become part of personal stories, memories, and everyday experiences.
At the centre of the design is a distinctive staggered double-oval marble top, inspired by the symbolism of infinity and the complementary balance of Yin and Yang. The sculptural form represents harmony, continuity, and connection, making the table a statement piece designed for contemporary spaces focused on gathering and shared experiences.
The table’s two helicoidal bases feature softly chamfered surfaces upholstered in Pelle Frau® ColorSphere® Impact Less leather, showcasing Poltrona Frau’s renowned craftsmanship. The leather application technique draws inspiration from luxury automotive interiors, reflecting the brand’s expertise in combining traditional artisan skills with advanced manufacturing processes.
Infinitamente 2.0 offers a wide range of marble options, including Bianco Carrara, Calacatta, Arabescato Venato, and Ombra di Caravaggio, available in polished, semi-polished, and naturally polished finishes. Each marble top is crafted from a single slab divided into two sections and reinforced with technical mesh to improve resistance against bending, breakage, and impact.
A stainless steel blade insert elegantly completes the connection between the two marble sections, adding both structural strength and visual refinement. The different surface treatments enhance the natural character of the stone while improving durability and resistance for everyday use.
The table base is constructed using MDF and birch plywood components, with internal beech pins and metal plates ensuring stability and strength. The leather-covered supports create a contrast between the natural richness of marble and the warmth of handcrafted upholstery.
Infinitamente 2.0 represents the continuation of Roberto Lazzeroni’s exploration of sculptural furniture design. The original Infinito table, presented in 2021 as a numbered limited edition, featured an exclusive Rosso Lepanto marble top sourced by Poltrona Frau and positioned as a collectible objet d’art. The 2023 Infinitamente edition further developed the concept with a white Versilia marble top and multiple size variations.
With the new Infinitamente 2.0, Poltrona Frau transforms the artistic vision into a permanent collection piece designed for luxury residences, hospitality environments, and sophisticated interiors worldwide.
The table debuted exclusively on April 14, 2026, at the Poltrona Frau flagship store on Via Manzoni 30 in Milan during Milano Design Week. It will subsequently become available through selected Poltrona Frau stores globally and the brand’s European e-commerce platforms.
Part of Haworth Lifestyle, Poltrona Frau continues to represent the intersection of Italian design heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury. Founded in 1912, the brand has built a global reputation for premium furnishings, leather craftsmanship, custom interiors, and collaborations with leading international designers.
Through Infinitamente 2.0, Poltrona Frau reinforces its commitment to creating enduring design pieces that celebrate material innovation, artistic expression, and the timeless value of handcrafted luxury.
Spain secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the second semifinal played on Tuesday, July 14, at AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute, while Pedro Porro added the second goal in the 58th minute, sealing a confident win for La Roja.
With the victory, Spain also created FIFA World Cup history by becoming the first team to keep six clean sheets in a single edition of the tournament. The result sends Spain into the final, where they will face the winner of the semifinal between England and Argentina on July 19.
While the action on the pitch has captured global attention, discussions around the FIFA World Cup final have also centred on ticket pricing, particularly the premium hospitality packages.
For fans looking for the most exclusive experience at MetLife Stadium, FIFA is offering a pitch-side lounge hospitality package priced at USD 57,500 per person. The package has become one of the most talked-about hospitality offerings of the tournament.
FIFA has also released an additional batch of World Cup final tickets priced at USD 32,970 each, adding to the ongoing debate over affordability. Many supporters have expressed concerns that the pricing places the final beyond the reach of regular football fans.
Although premium hospitality experiences have long been a part of major sporting events, the pricing for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final has sparked widespread discussion, with many questioning whether such packages are accessible even for dedicated supporters.
Published on July 14, 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to create excitement both on and off the pitch, with Argentina and England securing important victories, while Australia's hospitality industry is witnessing a noticeable rise in consumer spending during the tournament.
Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the next stage after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time. The match finished 1-1 at the end of regulation after Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead from a Lionel Messi assist before Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland in the second half.
Argentina sealed the win in extra time with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Switzerland's challenge became tougher after Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation following a VAR review.
In another fixture, England registered a 2-1 victory over Norway to continue its FIFA World Cup campaign.
Away from the action on the field, the tournament has also delivered a strong boost to Australia's hospitality sector. According to new insights from ANZ, Australians have spent more than $7 billion during the FIFA World Cup period so far, with increased spending across food, dining and entertainment categories.
The data shows spending on takeaway food rose 6.75%, while cafes and restaurants recorded a 5.5% increase. Spending at bars and hotels grew 5.2%, and purchases of sporting apparel increased 9.3%, highlighting the positive impact of the tournament on consumer activity.
The trend closely reflects the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup, when ANZ customers spent more than $11 billion, with notable growth across takeaway food, cafes and restaurants, sporting apparel, takeaway alcohol, and bars and hotels.
The findings suggest that major sporting events continue to influence consumer behaviour, even when matches are played overseas or during early morning hours.
Commenting on the trend, Joanna Gurry, Managing Director, Data & Analytics, ANZ, said:
“Whether Australians are gathering with friends at home, heading to their local pub to watch a match, or showing support through purchasing sporting merchandise, we're seeing spending patterns that seem to reflect the excitement and social connection major sporting events create.”
Although Australia's Socceroos have exited the tournament, hospitality venues continue to report strong customer turnout.
To support football fans, the Sydney City Council has declared the FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Sydney Marathon as special events, allowing eligible businesses to operate with extended trading hours. Non-licensed businesses can open early to serve fans during the remaining FIFA World Cup matches.
The extended trading schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, July 15: From 4:00 am
Thursday, July 16: From 4:00 am
Sunday, July 19: From 6:00 am
Monday, July 20: From 4:00 am
The latest figures highlight how global sporting events continue to benefit the hospitality sector by driving footfall, boosting food and beverage sales, and encouraging consumers to gather for shared match-day experiences.
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