Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Wins Forbes Five-Star Awar

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Earns Forbes Five-Star Honors for Kai and Aji Spa

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 24, 2025

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass continues to shine in the luxury hospitality scene, with both Kai Restaurant and Aji Spa receiving Forbes Travel Guide’s prestigious Five-Star rating in the 2025 Star Awards. The resort itself maintains its Recommended status, reaffirming its excellence in service and cultural authenticity.

This marks the 17th consecutive Five-Star win for Kai, solidifying its place as the only restaurant in Arizona with this distinction. Additionally, Aji Spa earns its sixth Five-Star rating, recognizing its commitment to providing a unique Native American-inspired wellness experience.

A Legacy of Excellence

Located on the Gila River Indian Community in Phoenix, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is renowned for its deep connection to indigenous heritage. The resort’s recent multi-million-dollar renovation has further elevated its luxurious offerings, while maintaining its commitment to cultural authenticity.

Expressing his pride, Bunty Ahamed, General Manager, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, shared:
"Receiving Five-Star recognition from Forbes Travel Guide once again for Aji Spa, and for the seventeenth consecutive year for Kai, is an incredible honor. Our commitment to providing every guest with a personalized and exceptional experience is unwavering, and these accolades are a testament to our team’s outstanding efforts."

Kai: Arizona’s Culinary Crown Jewel

With only 79 restaurants worldwide receiving a Five-Star rating this year, Kai’s achievement is particularly remarkable. A James Beard 2025 semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category, Kai merges contemporary flavors with time-honored Native American culinary traditions, featuring locally farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community.

Aji Spa: An Authentic Native Sanctuary

Aji Spa, meaning "sanctuary" in the Pima language, provides a holistic wellness experience deeply rooted in the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Offering signature Indigenous treatments curated by Cultural Caretakers, the spa reflects the area’s rich history through art, architecture, and storytelling.

A Resort Steeped in Heritage

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is more than a luxury resort—it is a living representation of Native American culture, offering:

36 holes of championship golf at Whirlwind Golf Club
Guided equestrian experiences through the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center
Four swimming pools and a waterslide inspired by ancient ruins
Water activities along the scenic Gila River

Maintaining its Recommended status in 2025, the resort meets Forbes’ rigorous 900-point evaluation, ensuring world-class service and hospitality.

As Forbes Travel Guide’s esteemed Five-Star list continues to set the global benchmark for luxury, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass proudly represents Arizona with its unparalleled culinary, wellness, and cultural experiences.

Atmosphere Core Showcases Sustainability Progress in Core Impact Report 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Atmosphere Core has unveiled its Core Impact Report 2025, presenting the environmental initiatives and measurable outcomes achieved across its Maldives resort portfolio. Released on Earth Day 2026, the report highlights the company's efforts to integrate sustainability into daily operations, with a focus on marine conservation, renewable energy, waste management, and resource efficiency.

The report offers stakeholders and the wider hospitality industry a detailed look at how environmental commitments are being translated into practical action across one of the world's most environmentally sensitive tourism destinations.

A key highlight of the report is Atmosphere Core’s continued investment in coral reef restoration. Across its resorts, more than 16,600 coral fragments have been planted on 360 reef frames, supporting the regeneration of marine ecosystems facing increasing climate-related challenges.

At OBLU SELECT Sangeli, the Muraka Conservation Project continues to play a significant role in the company’s sustainability efforts. Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has focused on coral restoration, marine-life monitoring, environmental education, and guest engagement through coral adoption programmes and marine biology experiences.

The project has also benefited from collaboration with the Maldives’ environmental authorities through the Rasfari Reef Restoration Programme. This partnership supports a more science-led approach to reef conservation and aligns resort-level initiatives with broader environmental restoration goals in the region.

The report also highlights conservation efforts at Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, where pyramid-shaped coral cage nurseries are being used to encourage healthy coral growth before transplantation into surrounding reef areas. The initiative reflects the company’s approach of implementing location-specific solutions while contributing to larger conservation goals across its portfolio.

Beyond marine conservation, the report details the company’s progress in energy and resource management. During the past year, Atmosphere Core generated 7.9 million kilowatt-hours of solar power, meeting 13 per cent of the total energy requirements across its resorts.

Waste management initiatives also delivered notable results. Through waste-to-value systems, including the conversion of 140 tonnes of organic waste into biogas energy, the company saved more than 2.1 million litres of diesel and prevented over 5,700 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The report further highlights efforts to reduce single-use plastics across the portfolio. Atmosphere Core eliminated more than 2.1 million plastic bottles and 1.48 million plastic straws across its nine-resort portfolio, demonstrating how operational changes can significantly reduce environmental impact at scale.

With sustainability becoming an increasingly important focus within global tourism, the Core Impact Report 2025 highlights Atmosphere Core’s ongoing efforts to combine responsible hospitality practices with measurable environmental outcomes across its Maldives operations.

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Launches Learn with Legends Summer Camp for Families

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 9, 2026

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has announced the launch of Learn with Legends, a new family-focused summer camp designed to combine learning, adventure and island experiences. Running from July 20 to August 31, 2026, the complimentary programme will take place across Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.

Bringing together globally recognised athletes, coaches, explorers and storytellers, the initiative offers guests an opportunity to learn directly from experts while enjoying a memorable island holiday. The programme includes workshops, coaching sessions and guided adventures that encourage skill-building, personal growth and meaningful family experiences.

At Landaa Giraavaru, football enthusiasts can train with former German captain Arne Friedrich, former England captain Casey Stoney, England centurion Jill Scott and former Premier League midfielder Steve Sidwell. At Kuda Huraa, surfing sessions will be led by former elite professional surfer and coach Ross Williams alongside former Championship Tour surfer Travis Logie.

The programme also features martial arts and wellness experiences. Angela Lee Pucci, former six-time world champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and coach Bruno Pucci will lead sessions at Landaa Giraavaru. At Kuda Huraa, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer and multiple-time world champion Leo Vieira will conduct training sessions. Indian Shaolin monk and Kung Fu master Hurssh Verma and national Kungfu champion Guo Jing will offer classes across both resorts.

Adding a focus on exploration and conservation, award-winning filmmaker and ocean storyteller Craig Foster, known for My Octopus Teacher, will join world-record explorer Ash Dykes to lead immersive storytelling and discovery experiences. Guests at Landaa Giraavaru will also have the opportunity to learn from oceanographer Dr Phil Hosegood through marine science and ocean-focused activities.

The complimentary programme includes a variety of workshops and activities, although selected experiences will be offered in limited numbers and subject to availability. Families can take part in football coaching, surfing lessons, martial arts training and conservation-focused adventures led by experts in their respective fields.

For guests looking for a more personalised experience, private one-to-one coaching sessions will also be available at an additional cost and subject to availability.

Commenting on the initiative, Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, said:

"Learn with Legends offers a fresh perspective in luxury family travel, where world-class talent, meaningful experiences and exceptional surroundings come together to create something truly transformative. What makes this program so powerful is the human connection: guests aren't simply learning skills and participating in activities. They are engaging with some of the world's leading figures in their fields and accessing high-level inspiration that will resonate well beyond their stay."

To complement the summer programme, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is also offering its Stay Longer package at both Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa. Families booking four consecutive paid nights will receive a complimentary fifth night, daily breakfast for two, one dinner for two at selected restaurants, and a shared island experience such as a Dolphin Cruise or Sunset Fishing excursion.

With a blend of sport, adventure, conservation and personal development, Learn with Legends aims to offer families a unique summer experience where learning and leisure come together in one of the world's most sought-after island destinations.

American Airlines Temporarily Suspends Select Summer Routes Amid Rising Fuel Costs

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 7, 2026

American Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of select routes during August and September as rising jet fuel costs continue to impact airline operations. The carrier said the schedule adjustments are a response to elevated operating expenses and broader challenges affecting the aviation industry.

In a statement, the airline confirmed that passengers impacted by the route suspensions will be offered alternative travel arrangements or refunds. American Airlines also clarified that the affected services are being suspended temporarily and that no routes are being permanently removed from its network.

The airline noted that the decision reflects wider industry trends as carriers worldwide face increasing pressure from higher fuel prices and operational costs. Despite the temporary changes, American Airlines said it remains committed to offering one of the largest flight networks in the United States.

The increase in jet fuel costs has become a major concern for airlines, with fuel accounting for a significant share of operating expenses. Industry data indicates that jet fuel prices have risen sharply in recent months amid disruptions in global oil supplies and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The situation has been further affected by reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit routes. Continued disruptions have contributed to supply concerns, leading to higher energy prices across several sectors.

As airlines adjust to these conditions, many carriers have introduced schedule reductions, revised flight frequencies and implemented cost-saving measures. Some airlines have also increased fees and reduced certain customer benefits to offset rising operational expenses.

The impact is being felt beyond the aviation sector, with higher fuel costs contributing to increased prices for transportation, food and other essential goods. Travellers may also face fewer flight options and higher airfares as airlines continue to navigate the challenging operating environment.

American Airlines has not yet provided a detailed list of the affected routes. However, reports indicate that six routes, primarily involving services from Los Angeles and other destinations across North America, could be impacted by the temporary suspensions.

The airline said it will continue monitoring market conditions and operational costs while making adjustments aimed at maintaining network efficiency and service reliability.

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Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Earns Forbes Five-Star Honors for Kai and Aji Spa

A Legacy of Excellence

Kai: Arizona’s Culinary Crown Jewel

Aji Spa: An Authentic Native Sanctuary

A Resort Steeped in Heritage

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Atmosphere Core Showcases Sustainability Progress in Core Impact Report 2025

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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Launches Learn with Legends Summer Camp for Families

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American Airlines Temporarily Suspends Select Summer Routes Amid Rising Fuel Costs

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