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.

Oceania Cruises to Transform Oceania Marina with Major Upgrade

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 12, 2026

Oceania Cruises has revealed plans for a major reinspiration of its luxury ship, Oceania Marina, marking a new phase in enhancing its onboard experience. The transformation is scheduled to begin in October 2026, when the ship enters dry dock for a complete upgrade.

The refurbishment will cover the entire vessel, with all staterooms set to be redesigned. Guests can expect updated layouts, new furnishings, and modern bathrooms with marble finishes and spacious rainforest showers. Premium suites, including Penthouse, Oceania, Vista, and Owner’s Suites, will also be refreshed to align with recent upgrades.

Public areas across the ship will see noticeable changes, with new furnishings, updated lighting, and refreshed interiors aimed at creating a more modern and cohesive look. The Grand Lounge will be expanded to introduce the Founders Bar, offering a selection of artisanal cocktails in a relaxed setting.

Dining and culinary experiences, a key focus for the brand, will also be enhanced. Signature restaurants such as Polo Grill, Red Ginger, Toscana, and Jacques will receive design updates along with improvements to their kitchen facilities. A new Chef’s Studio will replace the Artist Loft, giving guests more opportunities to engage in cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions.

The onboard café experience will also be upgraded with the addition of The Bakery at Baristas, serving fresh pastries and baked treats throughout the day. Meanwhile, the pool deck will feature new sun loungers and day beds to enhance guest comfort.

This extensive upgrade is part of Oceania Cruises’ OceaniaNEXT program, a broader initiative aimed at improving every aspect of the guest journey, from ship design to service and cuisine.

Sharing his thoughts, Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, said, "At Oceania Cruises, raising the bar is not an initiative, it is our mindset. We are constantly refining the guest experience, from elevating our culinary offerings to creating more intimate, immersive ways to explore the world's most iconic destinations. With OceaniaNEXT, we are reaffirming our commitment to modern luxury by ensuring every ship in our fleet reflects the refined style, attention to detail and thoughtful innovation that define our brand. This is how we continue to bring to life The Joy of Traveling Well."

While the upgrades will bring a fresh look and feel to the ship, the brand’s focus on personalised service and guest comfort will remain unchanged. With this reinspiration, Oceania Marina is set to offer a more refined and seamless luxury experience for travellers in the years ahead.

Park Hyatt Changsha Earns Four-Star Rating in Forbes Travel Guide 2026 Awards

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 12, 2026

Park Hyatt Changsha has been recognised with a Four-Star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026 Star Awards, highlighting its growing reputation in the global luxury hospitality space.

The annual list by Forbes Travel Guide, which covers more than 95 countries, is known for recognising excellence across hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise experiences. This latest recognition places Park Hyatt Changsha among some of the world’s top luxury properties.

Located on the top floors of Changsha IFS Tower 2, the hotel offers sweeping views of the city and the Xiangjiang River. Its design brings together elements inspired by Hunan province’s natural landscapes along with the modern energy of Changsha as a growing commercial hub. The property also reflects the Park Hyatt brand’s connection to art, featuring carefully selected paintings and sculptures that highlight local culture.

The hotel houses 230 rooms, including 24 suites, starting from the 54th floor. Interiors take inspiration from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with natural tones, spacious layouts, and thoughtful design details aimed at offering comfort and style. Each room includes a lounge area and walk-in wardrobe, creating a residential feel for guests.

Dining at the hotel is centred around Lilan, located on the 62nd floor, which features five distinct venues. Guests can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences, including modern interpretations of Hunan cuisine prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients under the guidance of Executive Chef Zhang Wenwen. The venue also offers personalised service through dedicated butlers.

Sharing his thoughts, Albert Hong, general manager, Park Hyatt Changsha said, "With its elegant interiors, exquisitely landscaped gardens, charming floral arrangements, and inspirational contemporary art, we aim to offer unparalleled comfort and exceptionally attentive service to its worldly guests seeking reprieve from their extensive travels."

The property also offers wellness facilities on the 48th floor, including a fitness centre designed around the concept of balance, along with hydrotherapy amenities that provide a calm retreat within the city.

Commenting on the awards, Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide, said, "Forbes Travel Guide's Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality. This year's list reflects the changing landscape of luxury with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognize their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today's discerning guest."

With its design, service, and location, Park Hyatt Changsha continues to position itself as a leading luxury destination in the city.

VidantaWorld Voyages Debuts Ultra-Luxury Yacht ELEGANT in the Mediterranean

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 12, 2026

VidantaWorld Voyages has introduced ELEGANT, an ultra-luxury yacht designed to offer a more relaxed and immersive way to explore the Mediterranean. The yacht made its debut on April 11, 2026, with its inaugural sailing from Funchal, Madeira, marking the beginning of a new style of luxury travel at sea.

The yacht will operate a series of seven-night itineraries from April 11 to October 2, 2026, and will return for another season from May through September 2027. These journeys are thoughtfully planned across regions such as the French Riviera, Spanish Coast, Azores & Portugal, Greek Islands, Adriatic Sea, and Italian Shores, allowing travellers to explore each destination at a comfortable pace.

What sets ELEGANT apart is its focus on space and experience. Originally designed for over 600 guests, the yacht has been redesigned to host just 216 guests. This approach creates a more open, calm, and unhurried atmosphere, giving travellers a feeling similar to a luxury resort rather than a traditional cruise.

Guests can expect longer stays, late departures, and even overnight stops at key destinations. This allows them to enjoy local experiences like evening walks, dining by the sea, and nightlife, something often missed in regular cruise schedules.

Sharing his thoughts, Ivan Chavez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta, said, "From the beginning, our focus has been about redefining what luxury at sea could feel like. By dramatically reducing guest count, elevating service to near one-to-one levels, prioritizing space and building itineraries around longer stays and late departures, we've created a voyage that delivers the high-end experience and flexibility today's luxury travelers are seeking."

The yacht offers a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, ensuring highly personalised service. Guests staying in premium suites will also have access to dedicated butler service, adding an extra level of comfort and attention throughout their journey.

ELEGANT brings Vidanta’s luxury resort experience to the sea, with spacious suites, well-designed public areas, and a wide range of amenities. These include a pool, hot tubs, spa and fitness centre, marina deck with sea access, multiple lounges, and curated entertainment spaces that move smoothly from day to night.

Dining is another highlight onboard, with three main restaurants offering different cuisines, along with cafes, snack venues, and several bar and lounge options. The overall experience is designed to feel easy and relaxed, without the crowding often seen on large cruise ships.

Wellness also plays a key role, with facilities like the Nel Vento Spa, yoga spaces, and fitness centre offering a calm and refreshing environment without the need for strict schedules.

From slow travel experiences to thoughtful design and personalised service, ELEGANT offers a fresh take on Mediterranean cruising, focused on comfort, space, and meaningful travel moments.

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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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Oceania Cruises to Transform Oceania Marina with Major Upgrade

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Park Hyatt Changsha Earns Four-Star Rating in Forbes Travel Guide 2026 Awards

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VidantaWorld Voyages Debuts Ultra-Luxury Yacht ELEGANT in the Mediterranean

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