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.

InterGlobe’s Miiro Opens Second Vienna Property with Miiro Spittelberg

By Author

Published on April 6, 2026

InterGlobe Enterprises’ lifestyle hospitality brand Miiro has strengthened its European presence with the opening of Miiro Spittelberg, marking its second property in Vienna.

Located in the historic Spittelberg District, just behind the MuseumsQuartier, the hotel is set within one of the city’s most culturally vibrant neighbourhoods. Known for its cobbled streets, artisan heritage, independent galleries, and lively café culture, the area offers an authentic window into Vienna’s contemporary creative scene.

Miiro Spittelberg features 132 guestrooms and suites, designed with a blend of warm neutrals, bold accents, natural textures, and soft lighting. Staying true to Miiro’s ‘Brilliantly Considered’ design philosophy, the rooms are crafted to provide a calming yet refined atmosphere, complete with plush beds, rainfall showers, cosy reading nooks, and premium toiletries.

The hotel’s design combines sleek modern lines with creative details, offering guests a space that feels both stylish and comfortable. Whether exploring Vienna’s iconic landmarks or unwinding within the property, the experience is designed to feel immersive and connected to its surroundings.

Dining at the hotel reflects a seamless all-day concept inspired by European café culture with an Italian twist. The experience is anchored by Poco, an Italian-inspired urban pizzeria and bar, adding a vibrant social element to the property.

Art plays a central role in the hotel’s identity, highlighted by an immersive ceiling mural that encourages personal reflection. This is complemented by a curated collection of works by Austrian and international artists displayed throughout the space. Additional amenities include a library, a 24-hour gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room.

Commenting on the opening, Neena Gupta said, “The opening of Miiro Spittelberg marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow Miiro in culturally rich European cities. Vienna’s artistic spirit and deep-rooted heritage make it a natural home for not just one but two of our properties, and the neighbourhood of Spittelberg reflects the lively, local energy we seek to celebrate.”

With this launch, Miiro continues to expand its footprint across Europe, with a growing portfolio spanning cities such as Paris, Barcelona, London, Gstaad, and Vienna, while InterGlobe’s broader international presence extends to destinations including Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne.

Fairmont Launches New “Special Happens” Global Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 6, 2026

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has introduced six new experiences under its “Special Happens…” series, expanding its global portfolio with curated offerings that focus on culture, nature, and memorable guest moments. The launch reflects the brand’s continued effort to create unique and meaningful experiences across its properties worldwide.

The newly unveiled experiences are designed across four themes – “After Dark”, “In the Wild”, “Around the Table”, and “In the Spotlight”. Each offering is rooted in local culture while reflecting Fairmont’s signature approach to service and storytelling.

Among the highlights is a private helicopter tour of the Great Wall of China at Fairmont Beijing, offering guests a unique aerial view of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The experience also includes a luxury stay, curated dining, and a personalised mixology session.

In Canada, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge introduces an Indigenous-led foraging journey, where guests explore the natural landscape with a local expert, followed by a curated culinary experience inspired by the ingredients gathered during the trip. In Kenya, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club offers the Acacia Horizon Experience, combining guided wildlife exploration with a private dining setup in a scenic outdoor setting.

Under the “After Dark” category, guests can take part in a night tour of the Yellow Crane Tower at Fairmont Wuhan, dressed in traditional Hanfu attire, blending cultural heritage with a modern light and sound experience. Another standout offering is the solar eclipse evening at Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier on August 12th, where guests can witness the celestial event alongside curated dining and live entertainment.

In Scotland, Fairmont St Andrews introduces a stargazing experience along the East coast, featuring a private observation dome, guided exploration of the night sky, and a chef-led dining experience under the stars, paired with rare Scottish whisky.

Commenting on the launch, Claudia Kozma Kaplan, Chief Brand Officer, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts said, "Delivering remarkable experiences is fundamental to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts' DNA. With these brand new 'Special Happens...' experiences, we're not just continuing this legacy, we're actively bringing the essence of Fairmont to life for everyone. This next chapter is about expanding unforgettable journeys, crafting authentic moments within each community, and designing them with meticulous care so our guests can connect more deeply, celebrate more often, and truly make special happen."

With this launch, Fairmont continues to focus on experiential travel, offering guests opportunities to connect with destinations through curated, one-of-a-kind experiences across its global network.

Sarovar Hotels Expands Nepal Presence with Royal Tulip Launch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 6, 2026

Sarovar Hotels has expanded its footprint in Nepal with the launch of Royal Tulip Shivapuri National Park Kathmandu, its fourth property in the country. Developed in partnership with Classic View Resort LTD, the new opening further strengthens the presence of Louvre Hotels Group in South Asia while expanding the premium Royal Tulip brand in the region.

Located in Budhanilkantha at the foothills of Shivapuri National Park, the hotel offers wide views of the Kathmandu Valley and is close to the Budhanilkantha Temple. Known for its natural surroundings and spiritual significance, the destination attracts both leisure and experience-driven travellers looking to explore nature trails and cultural spots.

The property features 75 rooms and villas, designed with a mix of contemporary comfort and nature-inspired elements. Guests can dine at Guras, the all-day restaurant serving global and local dishes, or unwind at Aairak, the bar offering premium beverages. The hotel also includes an outdoor swimming pool and large banqueting and conference spaces that can host up to 800 guests, making it suitable for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

The hotel is located around 17 km from Tribhuvan International Airport, offering easy access for both international and regional travellers. With its setting and facilities, the property is also well positioned for wellness-focused stays and destination-led travel experiences.

Commenting on the launch, Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Director, Louvre Hotels India, said: “Nepal is a culturally rich and rapidly evolving tourism market, attracting travellers seeking spirituality, adventure and immersive experiences. The launch of Royal Tulip Shivapuri National Park Kathmandu reflects our commitment to expanding our international footprint while bringing globally recognised hospitality brands to distinctive destinations. With its exceptional location and elevated hospitality offering, the hotel is poised to become a preferred choice for both international and domestic travellers visiting Kathmandu.”

Mukunda Raj Kunwar, Chairman, Classic View Resort LTD, added: “We are delighted to partner with Sarovar Hotels and Louvre Hotels Group to introduce the Royal Tulip brand to this extraordinary location in Kathmandu. Budhanilkantha and the Shivapuri region offer a unique blend of spirituality, natural beauty and growing tourism appeal. Through this collaboration, we aim to create a destination that offers world-class hospitality while showcasing the cultural and natural richness of Nepal.”

With this addition, Sarovar Hotels continues to grow its presence across key destinations in South Asia while supporting the expansion of Louvre Hotels Group brands in emerging tourism markets.

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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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InterGlobe’s Miiro Opens Second Vienna Property with Miiro Spittelberg

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Fairmont Launches New “Special Happens” Global Experiences

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Sarovar Hotels Expands Nepal Presence with Royal Tulip Launch

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