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.

Two Raffles Hotels in Cambodia Awarded MICHELIN Keys

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

Two of Cambodia’s most iconic hotels, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, have been recognised with the prestigious MICHELIN Keys, placing them among just ten hotels in the country to receive the honour in the MICHELIN Guide’s first-ever Cambodia edition.

The MICHELIN Keys celebrate the world’s most exceptional hotels, much like MICHELIN Stars honour top restaurants. Both Raffles properties have long been symbols of timeless elegance, offering guests a unique blend of colonial charm and contemporary luxury.

The editors of the MICHELIN Guide described Raffles Hotel Le Royal as “Phnom Penh’s top hotel by far” and “the best located, just steps away from the Royal Palace.” The hotel, which first opened in 1929, features 175 rooms and suites reimagined during a year-long restoration in 2019. Its design harmoniously blends French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco influences, offering guests a refined yet contemporary retreat in the heart of Cambodia’s capital.

Equally praised was Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, described as “an authentic French Colonial hotel, palatial, filled with '30s Art Deco furnishings, claw-footed bathtubs, and an antique cage elevator.” The property, which opened in 1932, retains its original grandeur while offering modern comforts suited to today’s discerning travellers. Its rooms, suites, and villas capture the spirit of 1930s Art Deco with Cambodian influences, creating an atmosphere of elegance and nostalgia.

In a further achievement, Raffles Hotel Le Royal was recently voted No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality recognitions. Cambodia also earned a place among the Top 5 friendliest countries in the world, reflecting its growing global appeal as a travel destination.

Dagmar Lyons, General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, said:

“To be recognised in the same month by both MICHELIN and Condé Nast Traveler, two of the planet’s top authorities in international travel – shows that Raffles Hotel Le Royal is truly a world-class destination, celebrated for exceptional hospitality, timeless elegance, and an extraordinary guest experience.”

Echoing the sentiment, Joseph Colina, General Manager at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, added:

“The honour from MICHELIN is a testament to our commitment to preserving the rich legacy of our hotel while offering guests an unforgettable experience steeped in history and elegance.”

Earlier this year, both Raffles properties introduced a unique seven-day package titled “A Tale of Two Cities,” inviting guests on an immersive journey that connects Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The experience captures the essence of Cambodia through grand history, cultural immersion, and the signature hospitality that defines the Raffles brand.

These recognitions further solidify Raffles Hotels’ legacy as custodians of heritage luxury, where history, artistry, and world-class service continue to set global benchmarks in hospitality.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Announces New 2027 Arctic Expeditions

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

Atlas Ocean Voyages, the luxury expedition cruise line known for its intimate yacht-style experiences, has announced its all-new 2027 Arctic Expeditions, an exceptional season designed to reveal the beauty and wonder of the polar regions. These immersive journeys will take guests across Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, Greenland’s iceberg-filled fjords, and the remote reaches of the Canadian Arctic and Svalbard.

The 2027 Arctic collection marks a major milestone in the brand’s destination expansion, introducing 27 new ports of call, including Pond Inlet and Kimmirut in Nunavut, Churchill and Coats Island in Hudson Bay, and East Greenland’s rarely visited fjords, including the King Frederick VI Coast, one of the most untouched coastlines on Earth.

James A. Rodriguez, President and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages, said:

“We’re pleased to expand our destination footprint with new explorations into the Canadian Arctic. These remote northern frontiers offer a distinct blend of raw wilderness, cultural authenticity, and incredible wildlife encounters. The 2027 Arctic season allows guests to experience the true spirit of expedition travel, intimate, adventurous, and deeply enriching, aboard our luxurious small yachts purpose-built for exploring the ends of the Earth.”

The upcoming season will feature a series of voyages offering guests the chance to experience everything from polar wildlife sightings to Inuit cultural encounters, Zodiac safaris, and expert-led educational experiences. Guests booking early can enjoy up to 15% Bonus Savings and up to $1,500 in Air Credit on select voyages.

2027 Arctic Season Highlights

Travellers can explore the Remote High Arctic of Svalbard, home to polar bears and walruses, or journey through the Canadian High Arctic, visiting Inuit hamlets such as Pond Inlet and Kimmirut. The voyages also include East Greenland’s wild frontiers, South Greenland’s Norse ruins, Iceland’s Westfjords, and the King Frederick VI Coast, offering some of the most scenic and secluded routes on the planet.

Featured Expeditions Include:

Polar Circle Odyssey (June 30, 2027) – Reykjavík to Longyearbyen | 10 Nights | World Navigator
Polar Wilderness Quest (July 30, 2027) – Nuuk to Churchill | 16 Nights | World Navigator
Midnight Sun Odyssey (August 6, 2027) – Longyearbyen to Reykjavík | 9 Nights | World Voyager
Glaciers & Fjords (August 29, 2027) – Nuuk Roundtrip | 15 Nights | World Navigator
Fjords & Frontiers (September 13, 2027) – Nuuk to St. John’s | 17 Nights | World Navigator

Every Arctic expedition includes Zodiac safaris and landings, Polar Plunge challenges, and lectures by biologists, naturalists, and historians, offering a deeper understanding of the Arctic ecosystem. Guests can also enjoy Atlas Immersive Experiences, such as the Discover Longyearbyen event.

Sailing aboard the World Navigator and World Voyager, both Polar Category C and Ice Class 1B yachts, travellers will experience sustainable exploration with near-silent hydro-jet propulsion systems and low deck heights for close wildlife viewing.

With limited voyages and exclusive early booking offers, the 2027 Arctic season invites travellers to discover the untouched beauty of the polar world, where adventure, luxury, and discovery meet.

For more information, visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

Beyond the Plate: How the World Celebrates Food, People, and Sustainability

By Hariharan U

Published on October 17, 2025

This World Food Day, the story isn’t just about what we eat, it’s about where it comes from and who makes it possible. Across countries, chefs, farmers, and communities are finding ways to make dining more sustainable, mindful, and rooted in local tradition. From Thailand’s coastal kitchens to Kenya’s community canteens, these stories remind us that good food nourishes both people and the planet.

Phulay Bay, Thailand, From Krabi’s Soil to the Table

At Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, luxury finds harmony with nature. The resort follows a true farm-to-table philosophy, where organic vegetables, herbs, and fruits grown in its own gardens—and nearby community farms—find their way onto the plate.
Local fishermen bring in the day’s catch—lobsters, tiger prawns, and blue swimmer crabs—ensuring freshness straight from Krabi’s coast. Each dish, from turmeric-rich curries to fragrant lemongrass salads, tells a story of the region’s land, sea, and spirit. Here, dining becomes more than indulgence—it’s a celebration of provenance, community, and respect for the ecosystem.

Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Qatar, The Gastronomic Heartbeat of the Coast

On Qatar’s scenic southwestern coast, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas blends sustainability with culture. Partnering with local farms, the resort sources fresh fruits, herbs, and dairy while cutting down food miles. At Souk Kitchen, guests enjoy mezze made with local produce, seafood caught in Qatari waters, and breads baked using recipes passed down through generations. Even the Arabic coffee is locally roasted, turning every sip into a taste of community and tradition.

Tokyo Skytree, Japan - Dining in the Clouds

Perched high above Tokyo, Sky Restaurant 634 (Musashi) offers more than stunning views, it celebrates the Japanese philosophy of shun, using ingredients at their seasonal best. Each dish, from white shrimp and sea urchin monaka to beet risotto with poached eel, reflects balance, craft, and respect for nature’s rhythm. Amid Tokyo’s glittering skyline, dining here becomes an experience of gratitude and mindfulness.

Kenya - Where the Locals Lead the Table

In Kenya, sustainability is a story of innovation and inclusion. The Food4Education Giga Kitchen in Nairobi serves over 60,000 school meals a day, powered by eco-briquettes and zero-waste systems that convert organic scraps into energy. Local farmers—most of them women—supply fresh ingredients, strengthening rural livelihoods.
Elsewhere, spaces like Cultiva Kenya and Nairobi Street Kitchen champion creativity through organic farming, upcycled interiors, and zero-waste cooking. Together, they prove that in Kenya, sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of cooking with purpose and imagination.

Ras Al Khaimah - A Table Rooted in Community and Conservation

In Ras Al Khaimah, food is deeply tied to place and people. At The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, the Chef’s Garden supplies herbs and vegetables directly to the kitchen, while Farmhouse by Syrco highlights traceable and locally sourced ingredients.
Nearby, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island integrates sustainability through Accor’s Planet 21 initiative, growing its own produce and sourcing Dibba Bay oysters—the UAE’s first homegrown oyster farm. Together, these resorts are redefining what responsible luxury looks (and tastes) like.

Sri Lanka - The Taste of Teardrop

Across Sri Lanka’s lush hills and coastal towns, Teardrop Hotels live by a philosophy of nourishment rooted in care. Ingredients are grown in their own gardens or sourced from local farmers and women’s cooperatives. From jackfruit curries to fresh cinnamon desserts, every meal supports the land and its people. Here, sustainability feels like home—quiet, heartfelt, and shared.

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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

Most Read In News

Two Raffles Hotels in Cambodia Awarded MICHELIN Keys

Most Read In News

Atlas Ocean Voyages Announces New 2027 Arctic Expeditions

2027 Arctic Season Highlights

Featured Expeditions Include:

Most Read In News

Beyond the Plate: How the World Celebrates Food, People, and Sustainability

Tokyo Skytree, Japan - Dining in the Clouds

Kenya - Where the Locals Lead the Table

Sri Lanka - The Taste of Teardrop

Most Read In News