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

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.

image

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.


Abu Dhabi Airports Reports 13% Passenger Growth in H1 2025

Abu Dhabi Airports Reports 13% Passenger Growth in H1 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 16, 2025

 Abu Dhabi Airports has reported a 13.1 per cent increase in passenger traffic for the first half of 2025, welcoming 15.8 million travellers across its five-airport network. This growth marks the 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit passenger traffic expansion, reflecting the airport group’s pivotal role in economic growth and global connectivity.

Zayed International Airport (AUH) led the surge, handling 15.5 million passengers, up 13.2 per cent year-on-year. Total aircraft movements across the network reached 133,533, a 9.2 per cent increase, with AUH registering 93,858 movements, up 11.4 per cent.

Route expansion has been central to the growth strategy, with 16 new destinations added in H1 2025. Highlights include China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai service, Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights, Fly Cham’s Damascus route, and IndiGo’s new connections from Madurai, Bhubaneswar, and Visakhapatnam, strengthening AUH as the airline’s most connected UAE hub.

Cargo volumes also rose 4.8 per cent, reaching 344,795 tonnes, supported by a joint venture with JD Property for a 70,000 sqm advanced logistics facility, catering to growing east-west e-commerce demand.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The first six months posed operational challenges, yet our results demonstrate the resilience of our network and collaborative partnerships. Delivering positive growth for 17 consecutive quarters reflects our operational agility and commitment to an exceptional aviation experience.”

Other milestones included:

  • Completion of rehabilitation works at Sir Bani Yas Airport

  • AUH receiving the 3 Pearl Estidama rating for construction

  • Recognition as Best Airport at Arrivals Globally at the ACI ASQ Awards for the third consecutive year

  • Collaboration with Bombardier at Al Bateen Executive Airport for a dedicated MRO facility

  • Partnership with TAQA Distribution to explore next-generation utility technologies across airports

With sustained passenger growth, strategic infrastructure projects, and global partnerships, Abu Dhabi Airports continues to strengthen its position as a leading aviation hub, supporting the UAE’s broader economic diversification agenda.


Laguna Lang Co Launches Summer “Stay & Play” Golf & Lifestyle Packages

Laguna Lang Co Launches Summer “Stay & Play” Golf & Lifestyle Packages

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 13, 2025

Laguna Lang Co, Vietnam’s premier integrated resort, is inviting travellers to enjoy the summer with enticing Stay & Play packages that combine world-class golf, luxury accommodation, and exclusive lifestyle experiences.

At the core of these offers is the stunning Sir Nick Faldo Signature golf course, an 18-hole championship layout ranked among Asia’s best. This scenic course winds through jungle-covered mountains, rice paddies, lagoons, and oceanfront dunes, providing a rewarding challenge for golfers of all levels.

image

Guests can choose from two tailored golf holiday packages, available at either Angsana Lang Co or Banyan Tree Lang Co:

  • The 3-night package starts at USD 1,325 at Angsana and USD 2,360 at Banyan Tree. It includes two rounds of golf, spa treatments, daily breakfast, a set dinner, airport transfers, and access to resort activities.

  • The 7-night package begins at USD 4,427 at Angsana and USD 6,825 at Banyan Tree, offering four rounds of golf, five dining experiences, a local discovery tour, and additional indulgences.

Guests at Banyan Tree Lang Co, known for its all-pool-villa accommodations, enjoy extras such as a dedicated villa host, private in-villa check-in, daily afternoon tea, and nightly turndown gifts. Meanwhile, Angsana Lang Co provides stylish rooms, wellness offerings, and family-friendly amenities just steps from the beach.

image

“This is one of the best value luxury golf and lifestyle packages in Asia,” said Gavin Herholdt, Managing Director of Laguna Lang Co. “Whether for a romantic getaway or a group golf trip, our packages offer championship golf, exceptional service, and unforgettable natural beauty.”

image

Herholdt added, “Our integrated resort means guests can enjoy luxury beachfront villas, Faldo-designed golf, award-winning spa and dining, plus Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, all without leaving the property.”

The packages are open for booking now for stays through March 31, 2027, with a minimum of two guests per booking. Availability is subject to seasonal surcharges.


Atmosphere Core Maldives Unveils Exclusive Wine Experiences for Autumn 2025

Atmosphere Core Maldives Unveils Exclusive Wine Experiences for Autumn 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 13, 2025

Atmosphere Core is inviting guests to sip, savour, and immerse themselves in three extraordinary wine journeys this autumn, where storytelling, gastronomy, and award-winning vintages meet the beauty of island life.

Martín Códax Wine Gala at COLOURS OF OBLU

Returning for its second edition, the Martín Códax Wine Gala celebrates Galicia, Spain, with vibrant beachside gatherings hosted by Paula Lobato, Brand Ambassador for Bodegas Martín Códax. Guests will enjoy the acclaimed Organistrum Albariño, perfectly paired with seafood, during barefoot dinners and sunset soirées.

  • OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO: Aug 31 – Sep 1

  • OBLU SELECT Sangeli: Sep 3 – 4

  • OBLU SELECT Lobigili (Adults-only): Sep 6 – 7

    image

A Sip of Stellenbosch at RAAYA & VARU by Atmosphere

From August 10 to 16, the celebrated Glenelly Estate of South Africa brings its expressive wines to the Maldives. Founded by Madame May de Lencquesaing, Glenelly fuses French winemaking tradition with South African terroir. Guests will join Cellar Master Dirk van Zyl for guided tastings and curated dinners at:

  • RAAYA by Atmosphere: Aug 10 – 12

  • VARU by Atmosphere: Aug 14 – 16

    image

A Journey Through the Vines: Bodegas Viñátigo at Bolifushi

This November, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI will host a rare masterclass with Bodegas Viñátigo of the Canary Islands, known for reviving indigenous grape varieties. Over three evenings, guests will enjoy curated pairings at different dining venues, with wines presented by expert sommeliers.

Bolifushi’s signature wine library, ORIGINƎ CUVEÉ, offers 1,440 bottles across 236 labels, including rarities like Château Margaux 1985 and Château d'Yquem 1996, earning it the titles of Best All-Inclusive Wine List in Asia and Best Spirits List in Asia from the World of Fine Wines Awards.

Atmosphere Core’s wine journeys are part of its ‘Joy of Giving’ philosophy, offering both connoisseurs and curious travellers unforgettable encounters with the world’s finest vintages in a tropical paradise.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.